Friends of the Allentown Parks will hold their 5th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 28 from 10:00am to 5:00pm at Cedar Beach Parkway. A fun family- and dog-friendly event, attendees will enjoy exhibitors, demonstrations, lawn games, children’s arts and crafts, great food, music and more.

The event opens with a special Tai Chi group participation led by Instructor Hilary Smith in celebration of World Tai Chi and Qigong Day. World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is celebrated around the world at 10:00 am on the last Saturday in April.

The entertainment lineup includes Mock Turtle Marionette Theater, Acoustic Project and Mekar Sari Gamelan Ensemble. Family activities include: puppet making, Origami, Earth Day crafts, parasol and flower painting, bird and bug bingo, a special Arbor Day celebration tree potting activity, mandala chalk art and more. Demonstrations include the art of Bonsai, dance and martial arts.

“We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the day,” said Friends of the Allentown Parks Executive Director Karen El-Chaar.

The city has nearly 50 Kwanzan cherry trees that were planted along Ott Street in the late 1950s or early 1960s.

Funds raised will be used to support the myriad of Friends activities including a campaign to replace the aging cherry trees. The trees will gradually be replaced as Mother Nature takes its toll on those beautiful trees.

Friends of the Allentown Parks is an independent 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2008 which works to increase use and enjoyment of Allentown’s parks, fosters stewardship of the environment and city parks, provides volunteer opportunities and promotes recreation programs and outdoor learning.

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