Almond Blossom: What Brings a Town Together

Ripon’s annual Almond Blossom Festival is held by the Chamber of Commerce every last full weekend of February. Almond Blossom is a fun-filled weekend of memories and experiences. 

Almond Blossom consists of many different events such as the parade, fashion show, queen coronation, and Diaper Derby, but everyone’s favorite being the carnival held at Mistlin Sports Park. 

At the carnival, there are multiple rides for all ages. There are foods, arts and crafts, and commercial vendors available as well. 

“The booths at the festival always have good food especially the Italian licorice,” former Ripon High student Sami Hyer exclaimed. 

With California’s beautiful weather, it not only brings Ripon residents to enjoy, but neighboring towns come to have a fun time too!

I like going because I get to see all my friends and people I haven’t seen in a long time

— Sydney Meninga

This year, there were changes that people noticed quickly. As popular rides did not make it to this year’s carnival, they brought new ones instead.

“I was disappointed that they took out the zipper and so were a lot of people,” Meninga stated

Almond Blossom is one of the many events residents look forward to in this small town. It brings people together while having fun. Many that grew up in Ripon come home to enjoy Almond Blossom with their friends and family. It is a part of their childhood. 

“I mostly missed family and friends, and everyone usually comes home around that time to celebrate, so it was a good time to see everyone,” Sami Hyer stated, “I would come home again because it’s one of the prettiest times of the year and the atmosphere of the time is nice because everyone’s so excited and out and about.” 

Ripon can’t wait till next year’s Almond Blossom festival and celebrate the agricultural the valley produces!