The 63rd annual Almond Blossom Festival kicks off Thursday morning with the annual Bake Off in the Ripon Community Center, 334 Fourth St.

Those participating can arrive and register their dish between 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. with judging (closed to the public) taking place later that day.

All entries must contain almond meat or paste and must be that of the contestant’s recipe – no premade mixes are allowed with all dishes being made from scratch and available to the sponsor.

Only one entry per person in the following categories: cakes, bread, cookies & bars, candies / chocolates, pastries (not pies), and decorated theme cakes (incorporate the festival theme: Celebrating the 25th anniversary of California Crushers – “25 years of Crushin’ it”).

The Bake Off will consists of three divisions – Beginners (ages 5-10), Juniors (ages 11-17), and Seniors (ages 18 or older).

Award winners will be posted at 4 p.m. that same day in the Ripon Community Center Small Hall or at www.riponchamber.org.

In other first-day events:

• Lion’s Club Spaghetti Dinner – Scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ripon Community Center.

• ABF Carnival – Opening day is “Two Dollar Ride Night” at Mistlin Sports Park, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Miss Almond Blossom Coronation – The crowning event for Miss Almond Blossom / Miss Ripon 2025 will take place at 7 p.m. in the Ripon Community Center small hall. 

For more information, call 209.599.7519.