The sound of Taiko drums filled the air in Barnes Park on the weekend of April 17 and 18 as Monterey Park residents celebrated the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival.

Emcees Rodney Kageyama and Denise Dador welcomed everyone to this wonderful celebrate of the beauty and culture of Japan. They reminded the audience of the history of this festival.

Junichi Ihara from the Japanese Consul welcomed all to the Cherry Blossom Festival. He said that he is looking forward to enjoying the good food and entertainment.

Assemblymember Mike Eng presented proclamations to the emcees and the committee. He thanked them for their hard work. He was happy to be here in his hometown of Monterey Park. He expressed happiness that the Cherry Blossom Festival is alive for the young people.

Mayor Anthony Wong, Councilmember David Lau and his wife Cici Lau joined in the celebration with Miss Taiwan World Michelle Chen, Miss Teen Taiwan Katherine Hu, Miss Monterey Park Liwen Tsai, and her court Jasmine Sunda and Paola Loera.

Mayor Wong welcomed all to the Cherry Blossom Festival. We are the second best city in which to raise your family. We all work together. He thanked the committee. We celebrate all the cultures in Monterey Park.

Mr. Lau welcomed all to the beautiful city of Monterey Park. We can share in the beauty of the Japanese culture. Japanese-Americans made the city by volunteering to serve the city. He thanked the committee, sponsors and volunteers.

Mayor Wong and Councilmember Lau presented proclamations to Amie Toyoshima and Yoshie Okada for their participation in the 2010 Miss Kimono Contest.

Members of the Monterey Park Woman’s Club introduced the winners of their picture and essay contest: Armen Duran, Sarah Ma, Bobbi Ho, Kelli Liu, Cecilia Mak, Andrew Lopez, Peter Lopez, Jorge Cobos and Maggie Wong.  Each winner received a proclamation and a prize.

Cici Lau entertained the audience with a selection of famous rock and roll songs.

Mayor Pro Tem Betty Tom Chu, Councilmembers Frank Venti and Mitch Ing arrived late as they attended the funeral service for Jamie Escalante at East Los Angeles College.

Mayor Pro Tem Chu welcomed all to this event. She spoke about history of the Asian people in America. They had to endure many hardships before they were successful. She said that Mr. Escalante gave his students hope for success. Please thank your teachers for the time they gave you. We must respect each other’s cultures. She thanked everyone for attending this event.

Mr. Venti said it was important for him to attend Jamie Escalante’s funeral as he taught classes at East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park.  This is his 10th year to be here at the Cherry Blossom Festival. It is the most successful event in Monterey Park. He thanked everyone for being here and asked God’s blessing on all.

Mr. Ing spoke about the funeral service for Jamie Escalante. They represented the city along with other elected officials that included the governor at the service. Many of his former students also attended.  Mr. Escalante was loved and respected by many people.  Mr. Ing welcomed all to this great event. He was happy of the see the large turnout at the Cherry Blossom Festival.

The event featured flower arraignments and a workshop for people to create their own floral centerpieces.

Hand made Japanese dolls were on display for all to enjoy.

Samurai Armor was on display this year.  Young men and boys were delighted to see the modern creation of the ancient armor that was for sale. Darin S. Furukawa answered many questions about his product. He can be reached at the Los Angeles office at darin@samuria-store.com or 323-541-8281.

Yukie demonstrated the fine art of Origami to Alissa at one of the many demonstrations in the park’s gym.

Dancers in colorful attire waited for their turn on stage to entertain the crowd with traditional folk dances.

Entertainment also included Hawaiian music and dances, jazz music, Japanese pop music, Martial Arts demonstrations, a traditional tea ceremony, Japanese painting and the art of rice making.

The young children flocked to the Kids Zone to receive balloon animals from a clown and create their own artwork to celebrate the Japanese culture.

The food court featured a delicious selection of Japanese, Mexican and American dishes.

It was a wonderful weekend to enjoy the beauty of the Japanese culture.