The Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is back for personal celebrations. It will take place on Saturday, February 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Following the cancellation of last year’s festival due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, community organizers are planning a full program of fun for this year, including free multicultural performing arts, hands-on demonstrations, crafts and food stalls.
“This year we will celebrate being able to hold the festival again in person, overcoming the pandemic and returning to normal,” organizer Morty Carter told the Tribune-Herald.
For Waimea, normality means celebrating the tradition of hanami, which translates to “cherry blossom viewing.”
“The core of the event is enjoying the trees, sitting and relaxing in the park, and having a great day with friends and family,” Carter said.
While the festival still has hanami roots, Carter notes that it has incorporated more family-oriented activities and additional cultural practices.
“[Hanami] is still a big part of the festival, but over time there has been a blending of cultures with the diverse melting pot of people who live on the Big Island.”
events
The celebrations begin at 9:00 am on the main entertainment stage behind the Parker Ranch Center with a blessing and introduction by dignitaries including Japanese Consul General Yutaka Aoki. Bands, solo acts and dance groups will be on stage throughout the day.
Parker Ranch also hosts a craft fair with over 50 artisans displaying their wares in the rear parking lot.
Members of the Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will host the mochi-tsuki rapping, and attendees can also learn the art of origami and bon dancing at the center.
Japanese dolls and kimonos are on display in the historic Spencer House.
Mana Christian Ohana Church will host a quilt show and craft fair.
The Waimea Historic Corner will have an art exhibit that includes hands-on art activities.
The Waimea Center will host food tastings and demonstrations along with live entertainment.
The Keck Observatory offers solar telescope tours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m
Pukalani Stables hosts the Kamuela Farmers Market.
Festival activities also take place at various venues stretching through the city center.
Church Row Park will be the centerpiece, featuring live entertainment such as hula, taiko drums and a Chinese lion dance. There will also be a bonsai exhibition and sale – as well as ongoing demonstrations to discuss the art of bonsai.
The Urasenke Tea Association holds a traditional tea ceremony in the park.
Food demonstrations and other food sales are available at all locations.
transport
Parking is available at Parker Ranch Center, the football field across from Church Row Park and along Pukalani Street.
Roberts Hawaii offers free shuttle service between Parker Ranch Center, Church Row Park and Pukalani Stables.
general information
With dozens of events throughout the day, the free 2023 Festival Activity Lineup handout will be available at all venues to guide festival-goers through the activities.
In addition, a free 2023 souvenir program will be distributed to showcase the many organizations hosting the festival.
Hosted by the Department of Culture and Education at Hawaii County Parks and Recreation, the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is a community-wide effort with a dedicated team of volunteers.
“This would not be possible without all of the community organizations and individual volunteers who help plan and run the festival,” said Carter. “Everyone is very excited to plan the in-person event and we are all looking forward to it.”
Those interested in more information on the event schedule can call 808-961-8706 or visit the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival Facebook page.
Email Kelsey Walling at [email protected]