The Buffalo Cherry Blossom
Festival will return once again at the Olmsted Park Conservancy’s Japanese
Garden, located in Delaware Park. The festival will run from April 29 to May 6.
The annual event, hosted
in front of the Buffalo History Museum, has aimed to support the upkeep of the
Cherry Tree Grove planted in the Japanese Garden while allowing Buffalo to
celebrate springtime.
This year’s festival
includes a preview of Madame Butterfly, presented
by Buffalo Opera Unlimited, an Asian food fusion party, a traditional Japanese
tea ceremony, and a special appearance from the Kanazawa Jazz Ensemble, among
other events.
Festival Co-Chairman
Paula Hinz feels that the partnership between the Olmsted Parks Conservancy and
the City of Buffalo has been valuable for both parties regarding the festival.
“The effort
to maintain and preserve parkland across the Olmsted system has increased the quality
of life throughout Buffalo. This makes Buffalo a desirable place to live,
work, and visit, which is excellent for our city. The city and
Conservancy share a unique partnership, and we are proud and pleased that the
success of the Cherry Blossom Festival is a factor, which benefits that
relationship,” Hinz said.
While
maintaining Olmsted Parks has had a positive impact on the West Side and the
rest of Buffalo, Hinz says there is always a need for more help, volunteers,
equipment and funding.
"Our proceeds from the festival go to support the
maintenance, care, and seasonal workers in the Japanese Garden. It’s a
critical to this beautiful special place that's free for all to enjoy,” Hinz
said. By Jessica Freda and Meaghan Michel
