The 2012 Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival was recently selected by the Embassy of Japan and the Consulate General of Japan as an event marking the Centennial Celebration of the Gift of Cherry Trees. The year 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the gift of cherry blossom trees from the people of Japan to the people of the United States. Tokyo, Japan gave Washington D.C. 3,000 cherry trees in 1912 as a symbol of friendship. The cherry blossom trees are the only major gift from foreign countries to the United States besides the Statue of Liberty. The Embassy of Japan is working with the Consulate General of Japan in selecting events nationwide throughout the entire year of 2012 to further celebrate the anniversary, and promote cultural understanding. The 31st Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival will be one of these events.

“We are very happy to be a part of the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Gift of Cherry Trees,” said Georgia International Horse Park Event Manager Rebecca Hill.  “The festival means a lot to the Conyers community, and we are excited to be recognized on a national level for our efforts in promoting cultural understanding.”

The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival will take place at the Georgia International Horse Park on March 24-25, 2012 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The contemporary art festival features 300 artist and crafter booths and a variety of food booths. A large, interactive children’s area provides rides, games and activities, while multiple stages offer entertainment from diverse cultures along with local bands, karate demonstrations, and clogging groups.

Join the “Pink Out” during the event by wearing the festival colors, pink and green, or decorate your stroller or wagon. Secret judges will be roaming the festival looking for the best-dressed individuals and best-decorated strollers and wagons. Guests selected by the judges to get “pinked” will win one of many great prizes, such as tickets to the Georgia Aquarium. 

Conyers will celebrate the cherry blossom season all during the month of March.  Community organizations host festivities leading up to the festival, including the Miss Conyers Cherry Blossom Scholarship Pageant which kicks off the season in Olde Town Conyers. The Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation hosts the Walk with Angels, an 8-mile walk raising funds for breast cancer awareness in Rockdale and nearby communities. Other auxiliary events include the Cherry Blossom Croquet Tournament and Conyers Kiwanis Club Cherry Blossom Golf Tournament. 

Admission to the Conyers Cherry Blossom festival is free with a $5 parking fee per vehicle. For festival information or directions to the to the Georgia International Horse Park, located just off Interstate 20, call (770) 602-2606 or 1-800-CONYERS or go to www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com.