The 62nd annual Almond Blossom Parade was filled with an hour of fun and tons of memories. Families from all around gathered to watch the parade as the crowned Miss Ripon of 2024 made her first appearance. Ripon High senior Kamal Kaur put lots of work into earning her title and it was well deserved. All along the way, her best friend, junior Jveekia Chaudhary supported her. Chaudhary shouted from the sidelines of the parade, cheering on the star of the show. “My favorite part [of the parade] was when Kamal was driving by. She’s my best friend and I love cheering for her.”

Even though they didn’t win, all of the Almond Blossom candidates put many hours of hard work into the competition and enjoyed every minute of it. Junior Brooklyn Ballard received the title of Miss Congeniality for her kind heart and encouraging attitude. “I liked waving to people and connected with all the kids,” Ballard states. “It was a great experience.”

This year’s Almond Blossom Queen runner-up, junior Joyce Wall, states, “I had one little girl pick a flower and run up to my car to give it to me. That was the best part; seeing their eyes light up.”

JROTC proceeded after the princesses with their strong spirits and confidence. All of their preparation was worth the excitement of the march. Close behind followed the Ripon High Marching Band. Led by junior Chloe Lautenslager, the band played their up-beat music effortlessly.

Homecoming King and Queen, seniors Devin Fitzpatrick and Lucia Machado-Perez rode in their second parade, showing off their style. Their smiles lit up the crowd, and RHS’s FFA float came down the street not long after.

However, the road was soon taken over by the Galactic Empire and some Resistance fighters. Ripon Elementary student, nine year old Elsie Mayfield, stood out and got some attention from the Empire, but her favorite part was seeing the princesses ride down the street. Mayfield says, “I would want to be an Almond Blossom princess because they could have fun and look beautiful.”

The lively crowd and the wonderful parade made the 2024 Almond Blossom parade the perfect place to be that morning. We can’t wait to see how this year’s Miss Ripon shows off her spirit!