Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival
Schedule
Sun, 03 Apr, 2022 at 01:00 pm
Location
Hot Springs Convention Center | Hot Springs Village, AR
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The schedule of events and special guests have been announced for the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival which will take place on Sunday, April 3 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Horner Hall, located in the Hot Springs Convention Center at 134 Convention Boulevard. This family friendly event will be free to attend, but some of the workshops do have a minimal fee. The festival will begin at 1:00 on the front patio of the Hot Springs Convention Center with the playing of the taiko drum by Dr. Kae Reed and a welcome from Consul-General Matsumoto Yoichi of the Japanese Consulate in Nashville, the Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward, as well as City of Hot Springs elected officials. Following the opening ceremony, an official announcement will be made about exciting and dynamic upcoming business developments for Arkansas and the state of Arkansas.
The following are featured performances planned for the main stage in Horner Hall:
1:30 – Dallas Kiyari Daiko, a six member traditional Japanese taiko drumming performance
2:15 – Learn the traditional Japanese odori dance
2:45 – Demonstration of the Japanese martial art
3:30 – Dallas Kiyari Daiko, a 6 member traditional Japanese taiko drumming performance
4:15 – Winners of the 2022 Arkansas Cherry Blossom Haiku Contest will be read
4:30 – Garland County Library Anime Costume Contest
In addition to the above festival performances, a number of workshops and lectures are available, but pre-registration is recommended and can be found at www.ARCherryBlossom.org.
The Art of Sake will be led by Hot Springs Sister City Foundation Board Vice Chair Corey Alderdice. Participants will learn about sake history, how it is brewed, about brewing in the United States, and, if over 21, the opportunity to taste premium sakes. The cost is $25 per with sessions at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00.
Japanese Gardening in Arkansas seminar will take place at 2:00. Jim Elmore has spent years creating a breathtaking Japanese garden paradise on the shores of Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. Jim will share photos, tips on what works and doesn’t work for our climate and answer questions. Registration is free, but space is limited.
At 3:00, a workshop on Zazen, a meditation technique rooted in Buddhism will be led by Jonathan Westmoreland of the Hot Springs Buddhist Society. The workshop will cover how meditation can improve wellbeing and the elements of Zen gardens. Registration for this workshop is $20 and participants will receive a tabletop Zen garden to create their own peaceful meditation space at home.
The final workshop, Obento, will be led by Kiyoko Johnson and will be a demonstration on how to create a delicious and beautiful bento, a Japanese lunch box, at 3:00. Workshop cost is $20 and includes accessories and a bento box to take home (food not included).
A large exhibit of kimonos and festival wear will be on display in addition to exhibits of lacquerware, Japanese toys, tea sets and even a large Girls Day display. The festival will also include a variety of traditional Japanese carnival games, face painting, anime costume contest, a Japanese store to shop for souvenirs, and fun photo backdrop opportunities. Prizes for the First Annual Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival Haiku competition will be awarded with winners invited to read their haiku at the event. The Sister City Youth Art exhibition will debut at the festival before moving to the library for the remainder of April.
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An online auction for a variety of Japanese items, a Cajun dinner, art by local artists, gift certificates, and more is available at https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/search/combined.action?query=hot+springs+sister+city&search=&_sourcePage=tZMmNhzX4FV4q6RI7cw35FZaoDq4pkk27IdargUhvws%3D&__fp=zBC-TkMXH9Y%3D The proceeds from this auction help support the Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation scholarship fund which makes it possible for Garland County students to participate in exchange opportunities with our sister city, Hanamaki, Japan. Thanks to everyone who donated items, please bid soon, bid often, and bid high.
The Arkansas Cherry Blossom is sponsored by Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation in partnership with Visit Hot Springs.
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Where is it happening?
Hot Springs Convention Center, Hot Springs Village, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
