SR976: SR976 Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival; commend

26 LC 112 3918 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 outstanding1 efforts to foster a long and steady friendship between the City of Conyers and country of2 Japan; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, the 45th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival, prese nted by Robins4 Financial Credit Union with Signature Sponsor Render Turner Lak e, will take place on5 Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22, 2026, at the Georgia Inte rnational Horse Park in6 Conyers, Georgia—the 2026 theme, "Rooted Together," celebrates the festival's deep roots7 of friendship, culture, and shared community legacy; and8 WHEREAS, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival unites tens of thousands of participants9 from the region each year to encourage a greater understanding of Japanese culture and other10 diverse nations while celebrating 45 years of cultural history through international music,11 dance, arts, crafts, cuisine, games, and family entertainment; and12 WHEREAS, the history of the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival stems from the gifting of13 several Yoshino Cherry Blossom trees that were planted througho ut the City of Conyers,14 signifying an alliance and symbolizing friendship between communities and cultures; and15 S. R. 976 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3918 WHEREAS, these cherished gifts, also known as Sakura, were presented by Hideo Ogino,16 former President of Maxell Corporation of America, to represent the friendship between17 nations, the renewal of spring, and the ephemeral beauty of life; and18 WHEREAS, in 1982, Maxell and the Rockdale-Conyers Chamber of Commerce held the first19 Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival, scheduled during the blossoming of the beautiful Yoshino20 Cherry Blossom trees, which have been the subject of admiration in Japan since the Heian21 period more than 1,000 years ago; and22 WHEREAS, traditionally, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival featured cooking classes,23 silk flower arranging, Oriental doll exhibits, Origami demonstrations, Kabuki theater, bonsai24 tree exhibits, karate demonstrations, and a Haiku contest—the f estival continues to honor25 these cultural connections through international performances, art displays, and educational26 experiences; and27 WHEREAS, due to continued growth in attendance and exhibitors, the festival relocated28 from the grounds of Maxell to the Georgia International Horse P ark in 1997, where it has29 flourished as one of the Southeast's most anticipated spring traditions; and30 WHEREAS, the 2026 festival also celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Georgia31 International Horse Park, the historic venue built for the 1996 Olympic Games, and in32 recognition of this milestone, it will feature the Running of t he Torches, a ceremonial33 children's fun run honoring the Olympic spirit of 1996 and comm emorating the venue's34 enduring Olympic legacy; and35 S. R. 976 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3918 WHEREAS, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival continues to carry on the tradition of this36 important community event, becoming one of the largest and most successful festivals in the37 Southeast; and38 WHEREAS, the festival remains deeply committed to children's ed ucation, art, and39 community engagement through year-long student initiatives incl uding art projects,40 photography contests, poetry contests, and creative installations that beautify public spaces41 and celebrate local talent; and42 WHEREAS, partnerships with organizations such as the Conyers Rockdale Council for the43 Arts, Rockdale County Public Schools, and the Rockdale County C hamber of Commerce44 help cultivate young artists and promote creativity through student art exhibits, community45 art installations, and public recognition ceremonies; and46 WHEREAS, additional community traditions surrounding the festiv al include auxiliary47 events such as scavenger hunts, student competitions, and sport ing events including the48 GQHA Cherry Blossom Speed Class and the Cherry Blossom Open at the Iron Hoof Disc49 Golf Course; and50 WHEREAS, through the support of the City of Conyers, the Georgi a International Horse51 Park, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival52 has received numerous honors, including recognition at the 2026 Kaleidoscope Awards53 presented by the Southeast Festivals and Events Association, ea rning Bronze for Best54 Children's Event, Bronze for Best Program, and Gold for Best Event with a Budget Under55 $75,000, one of the organization's top honors; and56 S. R. 976 - 3 - 26 LC 112 3918 WHEREAS, the festival was also named Best Festival in the Best of the Best Awards57 presented by The Rockdale Citizen and has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism58 Society as a Signature Event of the Southeast.59 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body60 commend the City of Conyers and the Georgia International Horse Park for their dedication61 to fostering cultural appreciation, community pride, and artist ic expression through the62 Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival.63 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body congratula te the Conyers64 Cherry Blossom Festival on the remarkable occasion of its 45th anniversary; extend sincere65 appreciation to Robins Financial Credit Union as Presenting Spo nsor and Render Turner66 Lake as Signature Sponsor; recognize the many community partners, sponsors, volunteers,67 and organizations whose support helps make the festival possible; and offer best wishes for68 its continued success in strengthening unity, celebrating culture, and bringing communities69 together for many years to come.70 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed71 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the Conyers72 Cherry Blossom Festival.73 S. 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