Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival
Atlanta, GA -Looking for a good, wholesome day trip? Someplace close to Atlanta, but with a different atmosphere, something a little closer to Mayberry than Midtown? Try the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival... and take home a bit spring when you leave.
The 21st Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival will be held at the International Horse Park in Conyers, just 25 miles or so from downtown Atlanta. And, there's more to the Cherry Blossom celebration than the festival itself - there's the Car Show & Family Fun Day on March 16th, the Golf Tournament on the 22nd, a Croquet Tournament and Road Race on the 23rd, and Origami displays through March and April.
The
Festival has grown to such an extent that in 1991 a Foundation had
to be set up to manage its affairs.
But let's back up a bit first... why a Cherry Blossom Festival? Well, the Japanese cherry blossom has always represented the meaning of friendship and the idea of enhancing one's life. Maxell Corp. is a leading Conyers business, and so, the whole thing started when Hideo Ogino, former President of Maxell Corporation of America, donated the first Cherry tree to Conyers.
Since then the Festival has grown to encompass dozens of activities and events. In fact, the Festival has grown to such an extent that in 1991 a Foundation had to be set up to manage its affairs. The continued growth led the Foundation to move the Festival from its traditional home in Maxwell to the Georgia International Horse Park, which was the site of the Equestrian events in the 1996 Olympics.
The Festival attempts to further cultural understanding through international dance and music, various crafts for all ages, the obvious fare of food and drink, and a multitude of exhibits. One can even learn to trim a Bonsai tree or fold those paper swans; add some Kabuki theatre and this is one festival unlike any other.
Festival organizers haven't forgotten the fun either... children's activities, hi-tech simulators, virtual reality games, and entertaining performers round out the events.
To encourage residents and visitors to plant the famous - and beautiful - Yoshino cherry trees, the Foundation offers them for sale. Currently they charge $75 for a bundle of 5 trees, which is quite a bargain.
A whole host of events have grown up around the Cherry Blossom Festival over the years. One of the newest is the Third Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Car Show & Family Fun Day, set for Saturday, March 16th. If you're wanting to show off that restored 1967 Chrysler Imperial, registration is only $25, so go for it!
The Cherry Blossom Golf Tournament is set for March 22nd, the perfect time of year for a walk through the trees of rural Georgia. But for real fun, you'll want to try to make it to the Croquet Tournament being held on March 23rd!
Also on March 23rd is the Cherry Blossom Road Race. This combination fun run and 5k road race will get the whole family out and on the move. A one mile fun run/walk starts off at 8am, and will be followed by the 5k race at 8:30am.
If you haven't had the experience of running in north central Georgia on a crisp Spring day, you've missed out on one of life's perfect moments. The air is light, cool, and has an aromatic freshness that fills the lungs with energy... don't miss this one!
The Cherry Blossom Festival also features two Queen contests. The Conyers Cherry Blossom Queens Pageant is a local pageant with various age categories. Winners represent the Cherry Blossom Festival at local events. The Miss Conyers Cherry Blossom Scholarship Pageant is a franchise of the Miss America System. The winner of this contest will compete in the Miss Georgia pageant.
The entire town gets behind throwing this
party and the entire nation gets to enjoy it - so don't miss out! 
