The Almond Blossom Festival carnival opens Thursday with $1 rides from 5 to 10 p.m. at Mistlin Sports Park.

Today is the last day you can save 50 percent by purchasing discount carnival tickets. You must buy them by 4 p.m. today at the Ripon Chamber of Commerce Office, 929 West Main St.

Carnival ticket books bought during the festival are $30 per book for 30 tickets while the advance price is $15 per book. These tickets books can then be used as individual tickets or exchanged for an unlimited ride wristband on Friday, Feb. 22, or Sunday, Feb. 24, at the carnival ticket office at the park.  Wristband sale/exchanges will end on Friday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 24, at 4 p.m.