KIDS UNITED
On January 20th, Leilani looks forward to visiting the Cherry Blossom Festival in her native Hawaii. The Cherry Blossom Festival is a two-month event that celebrates the culture of the Japanese-Americans living in Hawaii. The festival first began in 1949, when Akira "Sunshine" Fukunaga, a politician, saw a similar celebration in Los Angeles, California.
Since Hawaii has a rich Japanese heritage, Sunshine thought that a celebration of the culture of Japan would be an excellent fit for Hawaii, too! The first Cherry Blossom Festival was held in 1953, and has been held every year since. This year is the 50th celebration - the Festival's Golden Anniversary!
Leilani is excited to join her parents at the Opening Ceremonies. She will see the Royal Court - a group of approximately 15 young women chosen to represent the Japanese-American citizens of Hawaii. The Court wears kimonos (traditional Japanese long dresses), and tiaras (thin, jeweled crowns)!
The Royal Court participates in all of the Festival events: a fashion show, a golf tournament, and the very special Anniversary Ball. Leilani's favorite part of the festival is styling her hair in an exotic twist and adding a cherry blossom to her updo before she gets dressed-up for the Ball!
For more information about Hawaii's Cherry Blossom Festival, visit www.cbfhawaii.com
