CHERRY BLOSSOM OPENING WORSHIP SERVICE

Presented by New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church

475 Church Street, Macon 31211, (478) 743-8806

Join us at 11 a.m. for a Sunday Church Service in honor of the Cherry Blossom Festival.  Celebrate love, beauty, and international friendship with festival dignitaries and international visitors at New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.  Free Event!

SEA LION SPLASH

Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau

Media Partners 13-WMAZ CBS, All the Hits B95.1 and Blazin 92.3

Miller Lite Central City Park - Next to Levee Rd; show times at noon, 2 and 6 p.m. playtime at 8 p.m.  This thirty minute entertaining show is geared around educating the audience on the habits and nature of the sea lions and brings out the inherent comedic behavior of these animals: catching and retrieving objects, balancing, handstands, dancing, singing and interaction with the audience. The giant 7,000 gallon tank and adjacent pool allow for the public to view the animals swimming underwater and frolicking together as a family at all times throughout the course of the 10 days of the festival.  Free Event!

THE AMAZING ANIMAL ATHLETE DOG SHOWS

Presented by the Greater Atlanta Dog & Disc Club in association with WOOF Sports USA;  Miller Lite Central City Park;  11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Don't forget your camera!  Some of the best Disc Dog talent in the world will perform several freestyle demonstrations.  Featuring former World Champions Melissa Heeter & Ariel Asah and her State Champions dog Ariel Ally. Free Event!

PINK TUTUS AND JAZZY BLUES

Presented by the Middle Georgia Youth Ballet

Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry Street. 31201

2:30 p.m. $8.00 children and seniors, $10.00 adults

A dance performance featuring the family friendly ballet "Graduation Ball", the famous classical ballet "Pas de Quatre", and original choreography honoring the rhythm and soul of Macon's musical heritage.  For more information please call (478) 746-7083.

CHERRY BLOSSOM LANTERN LIGHTING CEREMONY

Presented by Wesleyan College

Third and Mulberry Street; 2 p.m.

You're invited to celebrate international friendship as dignitaries of the Festival's featured countries light the ceremonial lantern located in Third Street Park.  This event takes place in Downtown Macon before the Cherry Blossom Parade.  Free Event!

GEICO'S CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE

Media Partners Today's MGT 41 NBC and Cumulus Radio

Cherry & Mulberry Streets; 3 p.m.

Join in the fun as we celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival's annual parade.  Colorful floats, military units, marching bands, costumed performers, and celebrity Grand Marshals. Take a seat on Cherry or Mulberry Street to see the excitement from the front row.  The parade will also be broadcast on Today's MGT Monday, March 23^rd at 7 p.m.  To order a DVD of Geico's Cherry Blossom Parade, please visit www.wmgt.com or call (478) 751-4141 for more information. Free Event!

IN-SPIRE 2009:  A FESTIVAL CELEBRATION OF CHRISTIAN SONG

Presented by the Music Ministry, Martha Bowman United Methodist Church

500 Bass Rd., Macon, GA 31210.  (478) 477-1901; 4:30 and 7:00 p.m.

Free event but tickets are required, please call to reserve tickets; tickets can be mailed or picked up at the church.  MBUMC Festival Choir and Orchestra present Christian songs spanning 11 centuries.  Many opportunities for group singing. 

OLDIES NIGHT FEATURING THE HOLLYWOOD BAND

Media Partners Today's MGT, 1500 WAYS AM and The Eleventh Hour; 

Miller Lite Central City Park from 6 until 9 p.m.  Come Jam in the Park to the red hot soul act Hollywood Band.  Their music will have the park rockin' with songs like Electric Boogie, Brown Eyed Girl, and Wild Thing.  The Hollywood Band is well known in the Middle Georgia Area and always bring out a great crowd!  Free Event!

CHERRY BLOSSOM KALEIDOSCOPE OF CULTURES

Presented by Wal-Mart

Porter Auditorium at Wesleyan College, 7 p.m.

This exciting event will feature an evening of multi-cultural delights.  The festival's honored countries will take the stage to share performances unique to their culture. 

Free Event with a 2009 Festival Pin!