The Almond Blossom Festival in Ripon will conduct the Queen Candidates’ Speech Contest on Thursday, Jan. 9.

The 10 princesses – they made their first public appearance at the recent Christmas Light Parade – will talk about this year’s grand marshal, Cal Crush / California Rock Crusher Corp, beginning at the 6 p.m. 

The Speech Contest will take place at Ripon City Hall, 259 N. Wilma Ave.

This is also the ‘Kick Off’ for the 63rd annual event, which will open with a 5:30 p.m. social in the foyer.

The Almond Blossom Queen / Miss Ripon candidates are Samantha Lackey, Mckenzie Spear, Emme Wilbur, Addyson Wilmshurst, Rhianna Villanueva, Sage Petersen, Hayden Harper, Camden Downs, Jayden Quayle, and Sophia Hernandez.

“Each candidate will shed light on the impactful contributions of Cal Crush to the community, celebrating 25 years of crushing it,” said the Ripon Chamber of Commerce via social media.

The princesses will provide the history of Cal Crush and its role in shaping Ripon.

Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at the Ripon Chamber of Commerce office at 104 S. Stockton St.

In addition to the speech contest, each of the queen candidates are required to sell raffle tickets, do an interview, take part in the annual fashion show, and write an essay.

The current Almond Blossom Queen / Miss Ripon is Ripon High’s Kamalpreet Kaur, who has been involved at various functions around town since being crowned.

The Almond Blossom Festival will be held on the weekend of Feb. 20 through Feb. 23., at the Mistlin Sports Park, 1201 River Rd.

For more information, call the Ripon Chamber of Commerce at 209.599.7519 or log on to www.riponchamber.com.