Almond Blossom Festival 2021

Are your favorite Almond Blossom festival traditions happening this year? There’s a great chance they aren’t, due to Covid. Many traditions were not carried on into the 2021 festival.

Over the years, our town has adopted the loved traditions of the Almond Blossom Festival. There are so many events that were taking place last year at this time of year. Some of the town’s favorites are the Parade, carnival, and Almond Blossom Fun Run. Sadly, this year will look a lot different than last, and every other year before.

“ I am going to miss going to some of my favorite events with my friends. I love how everyone is involved, whether it’s riding carnival rides, eating the food, or listening to the live music. It is all around a joyful environment, which makes me sad we can’t experience that this year like we have in the past”, says Kylie Nelson.

Not only are the teenagers having a tough time, so are the Almond Blossom Princess Candidates. 

“I wish the current princess could experience meeting people of all ages in the community throughout the events,” former Almond Blossom Princess candidate Macie McPeak said. 

Every year Ripon looks forward to seeing all the Candidates and the experience they go through. While it may not look the same as last year, this tradition still continues with modifications. 

“Something I looked forward to when running was definitely the parade or the different events that come with Almond Blossom such as the spaghetti feed or the diaper derby. I really wanted to attend these events as a candidate and cheer my town on,” says current candidate Abigail Thompson. 

Many Ripon residents have so many traditions when it comes to the Almond Blossom festival, even though it might not look the same, we still have great memories and next year to look forward to. 

“I am most upset that I can not make any memories at the festival this year, some of the best memories I have made growing up took place at this event”, says Nelson.