Cherry Blossom Festival FREE March 31, 2007

Free

March 31, 2007 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
April 1, 2007 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

The 6th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival will be on March 31st & April 1st moving from its former location in Pasadena to the streets of Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles. This prestigious event is produced by RYOMA, founded in 2002 for the purpose of administering cultural events to bridge generations and expose the mainstream population to various diverse cultural arts. The festival has donated 100 “Pink Cloud” Cherry Trees to the City of Pasadena yearly and to date 500 “Pink Cloud” cherry trees have been planted in the city as part of their beautification program. We hope to continue this program in downtown Los Angeles.
The event celebrates its 6th year and has become one of the most impressive multi-cultural events in southern California. In 2006, even with torrential rains on Saturday, attendance was still at over 10,000 people and we anticipate with the strong support of the Los Angeles community, that we can grow our attendance to 20,000.
The Cherry Blossom Festival is produced by a 100% volunteer team and underwritten by private donations and sponsorships. WOW! Productions is the pro bono festival producer. Entrance is provided free to all attendees.

Main Stage: The main stage will serve as the focal point for the ever popular Annual Runway Fashion Show and various other main stage productions. In addition, the 2007 Cherry Blossom Festival will launch its first Concert on the Plaza evening event with the sponsorship of Instrumental Women.

Special Recognitions: The Cherry Blossom Festival So CA will continue it’s Award Recognitions: Teachers Making a Difference Awards, the Senator Daniel Inouye Cherry Blossom Leadership Awards, Community Service Recognition and the George Kiriyama Educational Excellence Award which promotes education and mentorship of Asian American issues in the development of leaders.

VIP/Sponsor Reception: A special VIP reception will be held to include festival sponsors, politicians, members of the organizing committee and chairpersons, community leaders, members of the media and business representatives. Previous receptions were held at: 2005 – Japon Bistro; 2004 - Pacific Asia Museum; 2003 - Pasadena Tournament of Roses Wrigley Mansion; and 2002 – Flutters Boutique. The unique food was underwritten by Japon Bistro in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Japanese American Pavilion: Stone Ishimaru’s displays his extensive photo exhibits of the internment camps, exhibit by the American Friends and a 35’ x 35’ Marital Arts History Museum, the first of its kind in the world.

Japanese Village: This area includes Japanese Doll Making with Kimekomi Dolls, Japanese Calligraphy, Sashiko Exhibit and Origami Magic with Michael, Joe & Yami to name a few items planned.

Fashion Show: The 2006 Fashions included designers Sue Wong, Citron, Jimmy Au’s for Men 5’8” and Under, Plum Pudding – Fashions are showcased for women, men and children. Models are from the community, as well as members of current and past Court of the Tournament of Roses, the Nisei Week, and the Miss Chinatown. The Fashion Show has become a favorite of the Festival!

Martial Arts Arena: An annual favorite with attendees is the two-day nonstop martial arts performances throughout the festival capturing the skills of a variety of martial arts performances.

Hawaiian Village: This area is an event on its own! Attendees have the opportunity to understand the culture of Hawaii as they participate in lei making demonstrations and hula dancing and experience a unique selection of crafters and entertainment – a true Polynesian experience!

FamilyFun Fest Area: What would a festival be without a cultural story teller provided by actors of the SAG Foundation’s BookPals, and an expanded kids craft area with a variety of interactive crafts which in 2006 included: Mini Stars, Cootie Fortune Cookies, Kimono Doll Bookmarks, Paper Dolls, Fish Kites & Origami, community organizations, inflatable games and much more. This Family Fun Fest will provide entertainment with a solid family focus - a community event with social responsibility. Family is a critical component to any community! And attendees enjoy making their own colorful and creative Cherry Blossom Mad Hatter Hat!

Health and Fitness Expo: With the Japanese American Medical Association leading the way, we are creating health awareness booths, screenings and information for the entire community!

Craft, Food & Corporate/Commercial Vendors: For the 2007 Cherry Blossom Festival, organizers are anticipating over 100 vendors or more ensuring attendees have numerous choices of food and opportunities from a variety of craft and corporate/commercial vendors.

Leona Valley Growers: Will have cherry trees for sale and creating a unique and one-of-a-kind Cherry Blossom Pasadena Honey with sales benefiting the Cherry Blossom Festival.

JAPANESE VILLAGE
Ondo Dancing – Public welcome to join in

Saturday at 1:00 pm – The San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center Dancers will be Ondo Dancing 3 different dances and invites attendees to join in. The SFVJACC Ondo Dancers are a group of 25 ladies who have danced together for 7 years under the direction of Masako Rodriquez ranging in ages from 50 to 80’s. During the summer, they dance at the different temples during the Obon festivals and dance at Nisei Week. Please join in and dance with the SFVJACC Ondo Dancers.

Sunday around Noon – The Japanese American National Museum Ondo group has been dancing at the Cherry blossom Festival Pasadena since the first year. Led by instructors Alice Hirata and Terry Kushimoto, this group of 40 dancers clad in purple has also participated in the Nisei Week Festival for many years. The organizer of this group is Hitoshi Sameshima who was the recipient of the 2005 Senator Daniel Inouye Award at last year’s Cherry Blossom Festival. Please join in at the Japanese Village after their Main Stage performance at 11:15 a.m.

SATURDAY - March 31, 2007
KIMONO FASHION SHOW

Maruhachi is a family business in Japan with multiple locations and the US company founded in 1980.
They are commited to bringing both formal and casual traditional kimonos to Southern CA.


All kimono items in their store have been imported from Japan and try to bring over seasonal styles in the fall and spring. Over the years they have widened their products to include intern design items as well as fabrics that can be used for western style clothing with a Japanese flair. They also specialize in both Formal Wedding Kimonos as well as Vintage Kimono's and Haori's as well as accessories. They also provide dressing services and hold classes to teach people how to dress in a kimono.

Sunday, April 1, 2007
RUNWAY FASHION SHOW

Official Website: http://www.cherryblossomfestivalsocal.org/