SR976: SR976 Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes the 45th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival, held at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia on March 21 and 22, 2026, under the theme 'Rooted Together.' The resolution recounts the festival's origins in 1982, when Maxell Corporation and the Rockdale-Conyers Chamber of Commerce planted Yoshino Cherry Blossom trees gifted by former Maxell president Hideo Ogino to symbolize friendship between Japan and Conyers. It also notes the festival's move to the Georgia International Horse Park in 1997, its ties to the venue's 1996 Olympic legacy, its community and student programs, and recent awards it has received. The Senate formally commends the City of Conyers and the Horse Park, congratulates the festival, thanks its sponsors, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the festival.

• Formally commends the City of Conyers and the Georgia International Horse Park for supporting the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival.
• Congratulates the festival on its 45th anniversary and recognizes its history of promoting Japanese culture and friendship.
• Extends appreciation to Robins Financial Credit Union and Render Turner Lake as sponsors and recognizes volunteers and community partners.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the festival.

The resolution directly names the City of Conyers, the Georgia International Horse Park, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival organizers, its sponsors including Robins Financial Credit Union and Render Turner Lake, and community partners such as Rockdale County Public Schools and local arts organizations.

The resolution carries no legal or funding effect but serves as an official public acknowledgment from the Georgia Senate of a long-running community and cultural event, which can be used by organizers for recognition and publicity purposes.

• The resolution's preamble (whereas clauses) recounts the festival's founding in 1982 and its symbolic gift of Yoshino Cherry Blossom trees from Japan.
• The first resolving clause commends the City of Conyers and the Georgia International Horse Park for fostering cultural appreciation through the festival.
• The second resolving clause congratulates the festival on its 45th anniversary and thanks its sponsors and community partners by name.
• The final resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to the festival.

1. 2026-03-19Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-03-18Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)Primary sponsor
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)

• Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival
• Georgia Senate resolutions
• Rockdale County
• Japanese-American cultural exchange
• local festivals