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History of the Conyers
Cherry Blossom Festival
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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. In 2006, the
City of Conyers recieved full rights to the Festival and
looks forward to carrying on the tradition of this
important community event. |
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