Conyers is a family-friendly destination that’s located 25 miles east of Atlanta. The town was founded as a small railway station in the mid-19th Century, and has developed into a growing community of over 15,000 residents. Conyers offers visitors a multitude of activities ranging from a stop at the Georgia International Horse Park (home of the 1996 Olympic equestrian events) to touring the shops and historical sites of Olde Town.
The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival has been paying homage to Japanese culture for over three decades. It will take place on March 25 and 26, at the Georgia International Horse Park. The event began as a way to introduce Japanese culture to the people of Conyers through traditional Japanese music, games, dancing, food, and more. It has grown into a showcase of traditions and customs from around the world. Two stages of entertainment will include cultural performances, music, dancing, and community groups. Hundreds of arts and crafts vendors will be selling a variety of handmade items including jewelry, glass, pottery, home decor, artisan foods, toys, and more. The food area will feature a variety of meals and treats from around the globe. Kids will fall in love with the kid's area that features games and activities for all ages. We got the opportunity to interview Jill Miller, a representative for the event to talk about this great celebration of cultures from around the globe.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
JM: The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival has been going for 36 years.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
JM: Organizers expect over 35,000 people over the weekend.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
JM: The event attracts families and individuals, but historically women make up the majority!
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JM: It honors Japanese Culture with handmade arts and crafts. The event features cultural entertainment and international food courts. It all started to honor the gift of Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees to the City of Conyers by the Maxell Corporation when they moved their headquarters to Conyers in 1981.
RAL: What activities will attendees encounter?
JM: Here are the major activities:
-
Two stages of entertainment
-
Strolling entertainers
-
30,000 sq ft children's area
-
Ultimate air dogs/dock diving competition
-
Exciting ground acts
-
Pink Kimono Scavenger Hunt
-
The PINK OUT
-
Cherry Blossom Tree Sales
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
JM: There will be Backyard Country Artists sponsored by 94.9 The Bull Radio.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
JM: Multiple international food courts including Thai, Caribbean, Greek, Mexican, and more. They will be serving farm-to-table meals, turkey legs, deep-fried candy bars, plus all the festival favorites.
RAL: What is the overall environment like?
JM: The marketplace area will have over 250 exhibitor booths with handmade craft vendors, community groups, etc. Music, art, and fun combine to make for a fantastic weekend for families, shoppers, and those who just want to be entertained.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
JM: The Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham shares the property with the festival, but call early as it books up due to the festival and other events. Conyers boasts an array of lodging options for all budgets. Additionally, other towns just minutes from Conyers boasts some fine B&Bs.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
JM: For years the event has proven to bring the community together. It garners involvement from community groups, school groups, student interact clubs, local ROTC, etc. Families arrive in droves to watch local stage performances by youth theater troupes, musical groups, karate and dance demonstrations.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
JM: The festival generates a large economic impact on the area/county each year.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JM: The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival has 36 years of experience in providing the highest quality handmade arts & crafts exhibitors, top notch entertainment and activities for all ages. It has a long history in Conyers and the metro area and continues to give purpose to our community, something it takes great pride in.
For more information about the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival, please visit the event website.