Ava Brocchini is the new Almond Blossom Festival Queen.
The Ripon High junior was swept up in the moment upon hearing her name announced as ABF Queen / Miss Ripon 2023 by Ripon Chamber of Commerce board President Dr. Debbie Daniels at the Coronation event held Thursday at the Ripon Community Center.
“This is so surreal,” she said, thanking those who supported her journey of the past few months – her family and those at the Chamber, to name a few.
The first runner-up was Princess Ava Keast, who will serve in the backup role as Miss Ripon in case Brocchini isn’t available for a special event anytime this year.
“Congratulations to both Avas,” Daniels said.
Madeline Stewart was announced as Miss Congeniality, earning the title for being friendly and outgoing.
Rounding out the ABF Royal Court were Kylee Fullmer, Madison Hendley, Anniston Holck, Payton Miller-Kay, Anika Schoolland, Madeline Staley, and Nayeli Zuniga.
The queen candidates were scored on their performances in the one-on-one interviews, kick-off speeches, fashion show, and blind essay – based on the theme “Connecting Business and Community Since 1923,” honoring the 100th birthday of the Ripon Chamber of Commerce.
The judges were Krista Holmes of Oak Valley Community Bank, Jamie Hood of Hood Real Estate, Heather Crooker of Garden Joy, and Brett Dood of the Calvary Reformed.
Dood, who delivered the invocation at the coronation ceremony, was the secret judge, according to Chamber President & CEO Kelly Donohue. “He was there for all of the events,” she said.
Briley Perez, who served as last year’s ABF Queen, crowned her successor while also sharing her “incredible experience” as Miss Ripon for the past year.
She recalled attending ribbon-cutting events and early morning coffee mixers consisting of members of the business community, elected leaders, and other dignitaries. “I was absolutely terrified at first,” Perez said.
She was not welcomed but came with fond memories of encouragement from many of those in attendance.
Perez offered much of the same to the queen candidates, remembering her experience from a year ago. “Breathe,” she said.
Almond Blossom
Festival this weekend.
The Almond Blossom Festival along with the carnival can be found starting today at Mistlin Sports Park on River Road just off Jack Tone Road at the Highway 99 exit.
Vendors will offer everything from crafts, trinkets, clothing, and food — not to mention just about anything that is edible that can be wedded with almonds — today from 2 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Today’s activities also include a craft and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ripon Senior Center, Community Stage “Teen Night” Live Music at Mistlin Sports Park from 5 to 8 p.m., and the Ripon Quarterback Club Golf Tournament at Copper Valley in Copperopolis.
Saturday, Feb. 25, starts off with the Grange Pancake Breakfast from 6 to 10 a.m. at the Grange Hall and the American Legion Auxiliary from 7 a.m. to noon at the Legion Hall, fun run starting at 8:30 a.m. at Marvis Stouffer Park, a bake and craft sake from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ripon Senior Center, a bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the diaper derby at 10 a.m. at the Ripon High North Gym, and the Ripon Quarterback Club Brats & Drinks at the Ripon Community Center from 1 to 7 p.m.
There will also be live music on the Community Stage at Mistlin Sports Park from noon to 8 p.m.
The Swiss Club Dance for those 21 years and older starts at 7 p.m. at the Ripon Swiss Club.
The parade starts at 1 p.m. through the downtown district.
On Sunday, Feb. 24, there will also be live music on the Community Stage at Mistlin Sports Park from noon to 5 p.m.
Additional information can be found at riponchamber.org.
