By Paula Hinz, Co-Chairman of The Cherry Blossom Festival:
You might think you are in Washington, DC while you attend The Cherry Blossom Festival at the Buffalo History Museum on Saturday, April 26th. The festival takes on a more official tone, as Japanese Consul Jun Ishihara from the Japanese Consulate in New York visits Buffalo to participate in an official ceremony, which includes a Proclamation from the City of Buffalo, Shakuhachi (Japanese Flute) music and a flower blessing complimenting the ceremony.
Ann McClellan, Washington D.C. based author, lecturer and former Smithsonian Executive, will discuss her publications highlighting Washington’s Cherry Blossom Festival & Buffalo’s celebration. The audience will have a chance to purchase Ann’s books and have them signed by the author.
In the Garden, beginning at 2pm, Suzuki Strings will perform and Story Teller Franklin Lavoie will entertain the audience with his tales. At 3pm, Ed Koban, Andrea & Ben, and Woodin, Moscov & Dickson will be on hand to add their own music. Outdoor activities are weather dependent. Stop by and you might start to wonder why people drive all the way to Washington, DC when we have it all right here in our own backyard.
Most of the events of The Cherry Blossom Festival take place in The Japanese Garden of Buffalo, which is located behind The Buffalo History Museum.
For more information: www.buffalocherryblossomfestival.com
Lead image: Trudy Stern, Kyoko Koessler, Hinako Bird, Atsuko Nishida-Mitchell and Paula Hinz
