Japan – U.S. Cherry Blossom Celebration

2016 Event Information

Sansei Yonsei Kai dancers performing a Cherry Blossom dance.

Join us June 4 at Como Park!

Bring the whole family to enjoy a summer morning of crafts, kite flying, and fun activities for every age. Join SPNSCC on Saturday, June 4, 2016 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at Mannheimer Memorial in Como Park on the corner of North Lexington Parkway and Estabrook Street to celebrate the Como Park cherry trees. Enjoy free refreshments, live Japanese cultural entertainment, and a short ceremony planting two new cherry trees!
Event highlights will include:
  • Planting two additional cherry trees in Como Park
  • Performance by the Sansei Yonsei Kai Dancers
  • Taiko drumming from the Taiko Collaborative
  • Councilperson Amy Brendmoen, guest speaker
  • Japanese cherry blossom themed refreshments
  • Children’s craft activities: water color, cherry blossom branch making, and more
The Cherry Tree Grove is across the Butterfly Parking Lot from the new lily pond and the Global Harmony Labyrinth.  From Lexington, take Estabrook (through the stone columns), turn right onto Nason Place, then first right into Butterfly Parking Lot.
Thanks to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Art of Budo, Anime Twin Cities, University of Minnesota Forestry, for their contributions to this event.

20160511_170227

Volunteers

Volunteers are always needed in a variety of functions to assist in the planning and execution of events. Total time commitment varies depending on how involved you wish to be!

 

History

In 2012, the 100th anniversary of the gift of cherry trees to Washington, DC, the Japanese government generously donated groups of twenty cherry trees to thirty-six American cities. St. Paul was chosen in large part because of the almost 60 year history of being sister city with Nagasaki. Bill Pesek, SPNSCC board member and landscape architect with the Parks and Recreation Department, arranged for them to be planted near the Mannheimer Memorial in Como Park, beginning to tie the Global Harmony Labyrinth, the restored lily pond, and the Charlotte Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden together. The trees were planted and dedicated on June 9, 2012. Honored guests included Ichiro Sawada, Deputy Consul from Chicago, Representative Betty McCollum, plus city council members, former Mayor George Latimer, and Mayor Coleman. Sansei Yonsei Kai performed two sakura dances. Leo Hansen performed the shakuhachi flute at the ceremony and guests greeted at the Japanese Garden by western flute player Ryusuke Jono. 

 

Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan

More to come!