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CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

About 500 Yoshino cherry trees were planted in Macon in 1973. The International Cherry Blossom Festival was founded in 1982. Today, over 272,000 cherry trees line and grace the streets, parks and neighborhoods of Macon, Georgia making the city the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. The Festival, renowned around the world, has become one of the top events in the U.S. Each year, for ten days, beginning the 3rd Friday in March, the Festival attracts over 700,000 people. And the Yoshino cherry trees continue thriving and their numbers keep growing as more and more are planted each year.

A 10-day celebration, (2007 celebration begins March 16 and extends through to March 25), the annual Cherry Blossom Festival features over 500 events, most of which are free. Musical events include daily concerts in Central City Park; CherryPalooza, a concert for the college-aged; and a Gospel concert. Other highlights include a parade, fashion show, dances, daily entertainment, Hot-Air Balloon Glow & Fest and more. There are numerous children's events, geared toward creativity, education and entertainment, as well as Arts and Crafts weekends featuring local, regional and national artisans and craftsmen. Dance events range from classical dances, to ballet, ballroom, square, round, jitterbug, shag and clogging. Plus an International Food Fair, Street Party, Picnic, Pops Concert, and a grand finale fireworks extravaganza. NOTE: If Macon's current population of cherry trees were placed 10 feet apart in a single row, it would stretch for over 475 miles.