58th CBF now accepting Queen Contestant applications
The 58th Cherry Blossom Festival is currently accepting applications for the Queen Contest Program. From September through January, the Queen Contestants are given the opportunity to learn about their Japanese heritage, improve their poise and public speaking and develop leadership skills through numerous cultural and training classes. From January through March they will participate in the Festival's wide range of events, from Fashion Show to Festival Ball - where the 58th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and Court will be selected.
Applicants must be of at least 50% Japanese ancestry and between the ages of 19 and 26 years old. A completed application form, proof of Japanese ancestry and $30 application fee are required and must be postmarked by August 15, 2009. Only the first (75) completed applications will be considered. Please see application for complete list of eligibility requirements.
Click here to download the application.
57th CBF Souvenir Book online
Check out an online version of the 57th CBF Souvenir Book.
57th Queen Kristine Akemi Wada and 56th Queen Trisha Tamaru
57th Queen and Court
The Cherry Blossom Festival was created to perpetuate the Japanese culture and to enrich the lives of young Japanese-American women. It has since grown into the longest continually running ethnic festival in the State of Hawaii. Over the past 58 years the Cherry Blossom Festival has touched the lives of many, especially the 972 women it has called contestants. Read how their experience with the Festival has impacted their lives:
"I do remember the happy times that we had, the fellowship that was more a journey fellowship, not the end result, not necessarily thinking about the win but thinking about the experiences we had together...I look back on the Festival as being one, again, of the very happy moments in my life."
- Paula Miyashiro Kurashige, 11th CBF 1st Princess/Miss Congeniality
"I really gained a sense of belief in myself. Before the Festival I was just afraid to speak in front of people and to share my values with others. I really felt that the Cherry Blossom Festival helped me to gain a sense of self and confidence and a belief that I CAN do it."
- Jill Koide, 52nd CBF Contestant
"I think the one thing I took away from my experience running in the Cherry Blossom Festival were the friendships I had made...and to this day we still meet for Christmas and birthdays and baby luaus now, and wedding showers. And I feel that that was the most rewarding part of the experience that I walked away with."
- Catherine Toth, 49th CBF Queen/Miss Congeniality
"[Cherry Blossom Festival] really helped to develop my passion for what I like to do now, which is community service work. And it started then, from the time I was involved with the Festival...and it continues to be a really big part of my life now."
- Gail Koide Marumoto, 31st CBF Queen
"I've met so many different people...and a lot of them become lifetime friends, just from this experience."
- Sydette Nekota, 50th CBF Contestant
"Through the Cherry Blossom Festival, I have gained knowledge about my culture, lasting friendships and a passion to give back to a community who has given me so much. But the one lesson I will cherish is gaining self-confidence. The Festival has taught me how to stand with poise in front of a crowd of a thousand people and speak from the heart."
- Tanya Masunaga, 57th CBF Miss Congeniality
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Public Appearance - Kahala Mall
Public Appearance - Windward Mall
Fashion Show - Hyatt Regency Hotel
Public Appearance - Pearlridge Center
Contestant Reception - Pearl Ultralounge
Public Appearance - Ala Moana Center
Heritage Fair - Convention Center
Festival Ball - Sheraton Waikiki
Golf Tournament - Pearl Country Club
NEWS/UPDATES
Image galleries Souvenir books and T-shirts available!
