March 28th – April 12th, 2009

Nearly 100 years ago, Japan presented the United States with a gift of 3,000 cherry trees that now adorn the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial.  Ever since then, we have celebrated that gift with an annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, lasting two weeks.  It is a tradition for all the nation's state societies to participate in this Festival!

It is with pleasure that the Minnesota State Society announces this year’s Minnesota Cherry Blossom Princess – Miss Brittany Valenty.  Miss Valenty, daughter of Richard and Rena Valenty, is a 2008 graduate of Burnsville Senior High School.  As a senior, Miss Valenty was active in dance classes, in honor courses, was captain of her track team, and received first place with her team in the Minnesota Stock Market Game.  Now a freshman at the University of Minnesota – Duluth, she is pursuing a double major in international business and Spanish.  Along with a heavy course load, she is active in UMD track and cross-country.

Ms. Valenty will be coming to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Cherry Blossom Princess Program and week’s worth of events.  Unlike previous years, because of religious holiday, this year the Cherry Blossom Princesses will participate in the first week of festivities from March 29th to April 4th, 2009.

The schedule that follows is tentative, incomplete, and subject to change.  Many of these events are open to the public and members can email Carly Ballintine at carly@mnstatesociety.org for more information.  Please see the National Cherry Blossom Festival Web Site for more general information.

Sunday, March 29th, 2009
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Lantern Lighting Ceremony
Along the Tidal Basin, a 357-year old stone lantern is lit in a formal ceremony featuring traditional Japanese performers, Washington dignitaries, and the Cherry Blossom Princesses representing the U.S. State Societies.
Location: Tidal Basin at Independence Ave & 17th Street SW
Cost: Free

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Fashion Show Luncheon
Location: Fort McNair Officers' Club
Cost: $65/person (RSVP through each State Society)

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009    
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
National Conference of State Societies Congressional Reception
Reception honoring current and former members of Congress, and officials from the international community as they escort the U.S. and International Cherry Blossom Princesses.
Location: Hart Senate Office Building, Room 902
Cost: TBD (Space is limited, RSVP through each State Society is necessary.)

Friday, April 3rd, 2009    
6:00 pm – 12:00 am
National Conference of State Societies Grand Ball – Black Tie Event
Formal black-tie sushi reception and dinner featuring presentation of the Cherry Blossom Princesses and selection of the U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen, followed by entertainment and dancing.
Location: Grand Hyatt at Washington Center – 1000 H Street NW
Cost:  $150/person (RSVP through each State Society)

Saturday, April 4th, 2009
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival
Enjoy this long-standing Washington tradition featuring marching bands, floats, balloons, and other family entertainment.
Location: Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets NW
Cost: Free