Fort Wayne Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival Honors Sister City
Each spring, the city of Fort Wayne celebrates Japan in a lively festival commemorating the cherry blossoms, Japan’s unofficial national flower. “The celebration is as much a celebration of our ties to Japan as it is of the blooming of the cherry blossoms,” says Noel Knox, a festival volunteer.
Fort Wayne has been sister cities with Takaoka, Japan, since 1977 and has been chosen as the American home for a number of Japanese companies. Each year the festival welcomes about 3,000 people of all ages.
The Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in downtown Fort Wayne on the third Sunday in May from noon to 5 p.m. at the Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza. The celebration will include traditional Japanese food, music, dancing, art, and children’s activities. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, bonsai and origami demonstrations, martial arts, and authentic taiko drumming. A haiku contest, Anime contest and Cosplay are also part of the fun. Bring your skills, and feel free to come in costume!
The 2013 Cherry Blossom Festival is slated for May 19. Admission is free. Parking is available at the library, and on-street parking is free on weekends. For more information, visit www.japaninfortwayne.com.
SEE ALSO: Pierogi Fest in Whiting
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matthew organ
December 15, 2012 at 8:57 pm
I want to know when cherry blossom festival come up in 2013?
Jessy Yancey
December 18, 2012 at 11:03 am
Hi Matthew,
We haven’t been able to confirm 2013 dates, but it appears to have been held on the third Sunday in May for the past few years. Hope that helps — keep an eye on http://www.visitfortwayne.com to see if they update their events calendar soon.
Thanks!
Jessy Yancey
editor
My Indiana Home
suzi
March 25, 2013 at 1:14 pm
May 19th, allen county public library (downtown Fort Wayne) noon to 5.
Kiki
May 11, 2013 at 4:35 pm
I’d really like to participate in the cosplay contest, but I have a few questions:
What time does it start?
Do you wear your costume at the festival, or do you change into it right before the contest?
Does it cost money to be in the contest?
Jessy Yancey
May 13, 2013 at 9:16 am
Hi Kiki,
For details about the contests at the Fort Wayne Cherry Blossom Festival, please contact them directly at http://www.japaninfortwayne.com or 260.399.0236.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Jessy Yancey
editor
My Indiana Home