Arm Wrestling is the newest attraction to the 62nd annual Almond Blossom Festival.
Sac County Arms will play host to this friendly competition – those age 17 and under must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver – scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, at the ABF Main Stage at Mistlin Sports Park.
“Whether you’re a beginner or experienced (arm wrestlers) – anyone can participate,” said Ripon Chamber of Commerce President / CEO Kelly Donohue.
Sac County Arms has hosted similar events at other festivals in recent years, awarding medals for those taking first place.
Queen coronation is Thursday
They’ve conducted the one-on-one interviews, gave their speeches, participated in the fashion show, and completed the blind essay.
On Thursday, Brooklyn Ballard, Madeline Curtiss, Arabella Hoit, Tiffani Hunter, Kamalpreet Kaur, Emma O’Laughlin, Gabriella Torres, Joyce Wall, Abigail Wilson, and Ziana Zaklan will take that final step towards becoming Almond Blossom Festival Queen / Miss Ripon.
The winner and two runner ups will be announced at the 7 p.m. coronation event at the Ripon Community Center.
The new queen will have the honor of reigning over Saturday’s ABF parade along with this year’s grand marshal, the South San Joaquin Irrigation District – selected for its 115 years of service to the area.
The theme is: “Watering the Roots of Ripon since 1909.”
The Almond Blossom Festival schedule of events is as followed:
· Thursday, Feb. 22 – Bake Off, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Ripon Community Center; Lion’s Club Spaghetti Dinner, 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m., Ripon Community Center; ABF Festival (Two Dollar Ride Night), 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Mistlin Sports Park.
· Friday, Feb. 23 – Craft & Bake Sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Ripon Senior Center; Festival Vender Booths Open, 2 p.m.-8 p.m., Mistlin Sports Park; ABF Festival, 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Mistlin Sports Park; Community Stage “Teen Night” (live music), 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Mistlin Sports Park; Quarterback Club Golf Tournament.
· Saturday, Feb. 24 – Ripon Grange Pancake Breakfast, 6 a.m.-10 a.m., Ripon Grange Hall; American Legion Ladies Auxiliary 190 10th annual Burrito Breakfast, 7 a.m.-12 noon, American Legion Hall; Fun Run, 8:30 a.m. (1 mile), 9 a.m. (8K), Mavis Stouffer Park; Craft & Bake Sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Ripon Senior Center; Immanuel CRC Bake Sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Festival Vendor Booths, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Mistlin Sports Park; Diaper Derby, 10 a.m., Ripon High North Gym; ABF Carnival, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Mistlin Sports Park; Community Stage (live music), 12 noon-8 p.m., Mistlin Sports Park, ABF Parade, 1 p.m., downtown Ripon (starting at Stockton Avenue); Quarterback Club Brats & Drinks, 1 p.m.-7 p.m., Ripon Community Center; Swiss Club Dance (must be 21 and over), 7 p.m., Swiss Club.
· Sunday, Feb. 25 – Festival Vendor Booths, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mistlin Sports Park; ABF Carnival, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Mistlin Sports Park; Community Stage (live music), 12 noon-5 p.m., Mistlin Sports Park.
For more information, contact the Ripon Chamber of Commerce at 209.599.7519 or email info@riponchamber.org.
