The Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation will host the third annual Cherry Blossom Festival from 6-9 p.m. on March 7 on the second floor of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 228 Spring Street.
The family-friendly event will feature Japanese-inspired hors d’oeuvres, snacks and wine, along with the Bon Odori dancers from Hot Springs Village; taiko drummer Kae Reed, who has performed with the Samurai Sword Fighting Group at the Sakura Matsuri Festival in Brooklyn, New York, and Cherry Blossom Festivals in Washington D.C.; a koto performance by Japanese Outreach Initiative Coordinator Chiemi Shimizu; interactive Japanese cultural demonstrations; and a “Sake Experience,” with an opportunity to sample a variety of sakes. There will also be a silent and live auction. Proceeds will benefit the Sister City Student Scholarship Fund, which helps support the annual student delegation visit to Hanamaki, Japan, in June.
Tickets prices are $40 for adults and $10 for students, ages 11-18; ages 10 and under are free. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at www.prekindle.com. A limited number of special “VIP Tables” are available for $500, which includes a reserved table for eight with table food service, eight Sake Experience tickets and special gifts.
Please make plans to attend the event and bring your friends. If you would like to be an event sponsor or have items you would like to donate for the silent or live auction, please contact Cherry Blossom Committee Chair Caren Dodd at 501-318-7237.