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Conyers, GA -
The Conyers Cherry Blossom Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to the cultural exchange of international art and music, to the enhancement of the quality of life in our local communities and to fostering a friendship that is synonymous to the Japanese cherry blossom.
Conyers’ first cherry trees were donated by Hideo Ogino, former President of Maxell Corporation of America. To further nurture the friendship and exchange of Japanese culture, in 1982, Maxell along with the Chamber of Commerce, held the 1st Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival featured Japanese cooking classes, silk flower arranging, Oriental doll exhibits, Origami exhibits, Kabuki theater, bonsai tree exhibits, karate demonstrations and a Haiku contest.
From that simple beginning, the month-long Festival has grown to include thousands of participants from many diverse cultures. Scheduled during the blossoming of the beautiful Yoshino Cherry Trees, the Festival encourages cultural understanding and friendship through international music & dance, arts & crafts, food, fine arts, and games & entertainment for all ages.
In 1991, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Foundation was formed to organize and oversee the Festival and related events. Due to the growth in attendance and exhibitors, the Foundation found it necessary to relocate the festival from the grounds of Maxell. In 1997, the Foundation selected the Georgia International Horse Park, site of the 1996 Olympic Equestrian events, for the location of the Festival. In 1999, the Foundation contracted with the City of Conyers and the Georgia International Horse Park to oversee and present the annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival.
The Foundation continues to partnership with local organizations with proceeds benefiting non-profit organizations. The Foundation also continues to raise funds through donations, sales of Japanese cherry trees and international cookbooks, as well as proceeds from a Queens Scholarship pageant.
With Maxell’s continued donation of Yoshino cherry trees, the blossoms can be enjoyed on the grounds of Maxell, City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, downtown Conyers, schools and while driving along the entrance of the Georgia International Horse Park.
As is customary in Japan, everyone gathers together to celebrate the blooming of the cherry trees. Enjoy this Spring celebration as well as other events throughout the year. 
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