Growing up, I could never distinguish a cherry blossom tree from any other pretty tree in the springtime. Now that I’m 18 years old, I can honestly say that I still cannot tell you the difference between a cherry blossom tree and any other tree with pink flowers on it. Nevertheless, there has been a marvelous festival created solely for people like you and I to enjoy and partake in festivities celebrating these beautiful trees – whether we know which ones they are or not.
From March 19 – April 4, Macon will be overflowing with its impressive number of scheduled events in order to properly celebrate the “International Cherry Blossom Festival”. Everything from concerts featuring the “Sunshine and Whiskey” star, Frankie Ballard, to a sampling of bratwursts and seasonal beers, to a high-heeled dash through central Macon to support Susan G. Komen – the foundation to raise money that is put towards curing and ending breast cancer.
There’s no possible way I could ever list everything that is scheduled to happen – actually, it is possible, it would just take a very, very long time and an even longer attention span. However, I have compiled a reasonable list of several of the events you’ll want to check out as you head down to Macon next weekend!
March 19 – Samples of seasonal beer selections and bratwursts will be given at the Blacksmith Shop (665 Poplar Street) at 6:00 pm.
March 20 – The official Grand Opening and Founder’s Day Celebration will be held at the Central City Park at 12:00 with a ribbon cutting and a special program.
March 20 – 29 – Nightly concerts at Central City Park
March 21 – Wake up to the Pink Pancake Breakfast at the Central City Park. Bring $5.00 and your entire family – all proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
March 21 – Grab some popcorn and prepare to exercise those ab muscles as you head down to Cheery Street at 1:00 to watch an old fashioned Bed Race. Beds are judged and can receive plaques for winning titles such as “Funniest Bed”. “Fastest Bed”, “Original Bed Design” and of course, “Judge’s Choice”.
March 21 – Immediately following the Bed Races will be the “High Heels for the Cure” race. In order to participate, all you will need is $10; a comfortable (or not so comfortable) pair of heels, and a whole bunch of confidence and you’re ready to go! Spectators are free but must applaud the fearless participants – their ankles will never be the same after this.
March 22 – Pink on Pink Parade on Cheery Street at 3:00
March 22 – Buddy Greene Concert at 7:30 at Grand Opera House (651 Mulberry Street)
March 23 – 27 – Third Street Park Festivities from 11:30 to 1:30. Each day will be a surprise as there is a new theme planned per day with special entertainers and activities
March 23 – Free admission to Central City Park from 11:00 – 6:00 is granted to all past and present servicemen and women in honor of Military & Veterans Appreciation Day from
March 25 – 26 – Come to the Federated Garden Club (730 College Street_ from 10:00 – 5:00 to see a beautiful flower show and collectibles display that has been modeled on fairy tale themes!
March 25 – All senior citizens are granted free admission into Central City Park from 11:00 to 6:00
March 27 – Frankie Ballard performs at The Crazy Bull (473 Second Street) at 8:00
March 27 – 3 Redneck Tenors perform their comedic act and vocal performance at the Grand Opera House (651 Mulberry Street) at 7:30
March 28 – Perfect for kids! Bring any of your youngsters to Central City Park for the chance to win some prizes, participate in fun games and great activities from 11:00 – 3:00
March 28 – Variety of venues and performers can all be found in Downtown Macon at 4:00, you’re bound to find something you like!
April 2 – The Dirty Guv-Nahs will be in concert with Molly Stevens at 7:00 at Cox Capital Theatre
So basically, we could just summarize everything already listed by saying that Macon has a lot of really fun events planned for a few weeks in celebration of their Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Though some of the events do cost, there are also several that are free – so no excuses! Don’t forget your cameras!
