What's new at the 2018 Cherry Blossom Festival?

Created in 1982 by Carolyn Crayton with the help of William A. Fickling Sr., the Cherry Blossom Festival has been a point of pride and of international friendship in Macon for 36 years. It has also made the city of Macon the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World, according to the festival’s website.

They expect to have approximately 300,000 people at the entirety of the festival and its events, according to Hannah Moore, the marketing coordinator for the festival.

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“[We wanted] to invest in this generation because we realize they are the future, (and we) want them to know how special Cherry Blossom is to Macon,” Moore said.

The Cherry Blossom Festival will be held in Central City Park and begin on March 16-25 and host a series of events during that time. The entrance fee is $5.

The Street Party, Food Truck Frenzy and Mulberry Arts and Crafts Festival are some key events for college-aged students to attend, Moore said.

This year, there will be a “Hero’s Day” on March 19 that will provide free admission to all active, retired, reserve and veteran military, Department of Defense, civilian employees, firefighters, first responders and law enforcement with ID, as well as their immediate family. They will also receive discounted $10 for unlimited rides with ID, according to the festivals website.

The festival has invested $50,000 in entertainment this year by creating a nightly concert series that will have bands playing music from a wide variety of genres. The entry ticket to Central City Park includes access to the series, Moore said.  

Each night will feature a different cover band playing tribute to artists such as Michael Jackson, The Allman Brothers, Otis Redding, Bon Jovi and more.

“Get ready to clear your schedule for March 16-25 because there is so much to see and do at the festival! From midway rides to Central City Park, to fabulous Food Trucks, concerts galore and more, there are many sights and sounds in the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World!” Moore said.