SR 976: Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival; commend

Senate Resolution 976

By: Senators Anderson of the 43rd, Wicks of the 34th, Harbison of the 15th, Sims of the 12th, Jones of the 10th and others

A RESOLUTION

Commending and congratulating the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival for its outstanding efforts to foster a long and steady friendship between the City of Conyers and country of Japan; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the 45th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival, presented by Robins Financial Credit Union with Signature Sponsor Render Turner Lake, will take place on Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22, 2026, at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia—the 2026 theme, "Rooted Together," celebrates the festival's deep roots of friendship, culture, and shared community legacy; and

WHEREAS, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival unites tens of thousands of participants from the region each year to encourage a greater understanding of Japanese culture and other diverse nations while celebrating 45 years of cultural history through international music, dance, arts, crafts, cuisine, games, and family entertainment; and

WHEREAS, the history of the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival stems from the gifting of several Yoshino Cherry Blossom trees that were planted throughout the City of Conyers, signifying an alliance and symbolizing friendship between communities and cultures; and

WHEREAS, these cherished gifts, also known as Sakura, were presented by Hideo Ogino, former President of Maxell Corporation of America, to represent the friendship between nations, the renewal of spring, and the ephemeral beauty of life; and

WHEREAS, in 1982, Maxell and the Rockdale-Conyers Chamber of Commerce held the first Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival, scheduled during the blossoming of the beautiful Yoshino Cherry Blossom trees, which have been the subject of admiration in Japan since the Heian period more than 1,000 years ago; and

WHEREAS, traditionally, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival featured cooking classes, silk flower arranging, Oriental doll exhibits, Origami demonstrations, Kabuki theater, bonsai tree exhibits, karate demonstrations, and a Haiku contest—the festival continues to honor these cultural connections through international performances, art displays, and educational experiences; and

WHEREAS, due to continued growth in attendance and exhibitors, the festival relocated from the grounds of Maxell to the Georgia International Horse Park in 1997, where it has flourished as one of the Southeast's most anticipated spring traditions; and

WHEREAS, the 2026 festival also celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Georgia International Horse Park, the historic venue built for the 1996 Olympic Games, and in recognition of this milestone, it will feature the Running of the Torches, a ceremonial children's fun run honoring the Olympic spirit of 1996 and commemorating the venue's enduring Olympic legacy; and

WHEREAS, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival continues to carry on the tradition of this important community event, becoming one of the largest and most successful festivals in the Southeast; and

WHEREAS, the festival remains deeply committed to children's education, art, and community engagement through year-long student initiatives including art projects, photography contests, poetry contests, and creative installations that beautify public spaces and celebrate local talent; and

WHEREAS, partnerships with organizations such as the Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts, Rockdale County Public Schools, and the Rockdale County Chamber of Commerce help cultivate young artists and promote creativity through student art exhibits, community art installations, and public recognition ceremonies; and

WHEREAS, additional community traditions surrounding the festival include auxiliary events such as scavenger hunts, student competitions, and sporting events including the GQHA Cherry Blossom Speed Class and the Cherry Blossom Open at the Iron Hoof Disc Golf Course; and

WHEREAS, through the support of the City of Conyers, the Georgia International Horse Park, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival has received numerous honors, including recognition at the 2026 Kaleidoscope Awards presented by the Southeast Festivals and Events Association, earning Bronze for Best Children's Event, Bronze for Best Program, and Gold for Best Event with a Budget Under $75,000, one of the organization's top honors; and

WHEREAS, the festival was also named Best Festival in the Best of the Best Awards presented by The Rockdale Citizen and has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as a Signature Event of the Southeast.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend the City of Conyers and the Georgia International Horse Park for their dedication to fostering cultural appreciation, community pride, and artistic expression through the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body congratulate the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival on the remarkable occasion of its 45th anniversary; extend sincere appreciation to Robins Financial Credit Union as Presenting Sponsor and Render Turner Lake as Signature Sponsor; recognize the many community partners, sponsors, volunteers, and organizations whose support helps make the festival possible; and offer best wishes for its continued success in strengthening unity, celebrating culture, and bringing communities together for many years to come.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival.