Wayne Kawamoto welcomed the guests to the 24^th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Members of Sage Granada Park United Methodist Church Japanese Language School Taiko Group performed the welcoming Ceremony as the beat of the drums announced the event.

The beautiful flower displays were set up in the Gym for everyone to enjoy.

An artist version of a Cherry Tree was on display in front of the Food Court.

Shin Ito welcomed the guests to this very special event.

Mayor Thomas Wong welcomed the guests to our Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Have a great time and visit all of the booths

Irene Cruz was the Mistress of Ceremonies. She welcomed everyone to our Cherry Blossom Festival in Monterey Park. She introduced the elected officials to the guests.

Mayor Pro Tem Vinh Ngo wished everyone a Happy Cherry Blossom Festival.

Councilmember Henry Lo welcomed the residents to our Annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Mayor Thomas Wong, Mayor Pro Tem Vinh Ngo,  Councilmember Henry Lo, City Treasurer Amy Lee, Tax Assessor Jeff Prang, former Mayor Mike Eng and former Mayor Francisco Alonso joined together for a group picture in honor of the event.

Jeff Prang, the 27th Assessor of LA County, said he is very happy to be here to join us in the celebration of the Japanese culture. Enjoy your day.

Former Mayor Mike Eng welcomed all of the guests to our Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. He and Judy enjoy the Spam musubi so he will be taking them home today.

Mayor Thomas Wong thanked the Committee Members, donors and the City’s staff for this special event.

Irene Cruz introduced Naoshige Aoshima, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of Japan to the guests.

Naoshige Aoshima said he loves the Cherry Blossom Festival. He said the blossoms live about ten days. They celebrate this event like New Year’s Day because it begins of a new season. He thanked the city staff for this event.  We have a 56-year history with Monterey Park as we have a sister city in Nachikatsuura, Japan.

Junior members of the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library participated in Earth Day on April

Members of Ware Disposal explained how the Food Waste would be handled. We would receive a small bucket to put in our kitchen sink and place food waste in it. We would then place it in the Food Waster Barrel for pickup on trash day.

I asked who would clean out the barrel when it begins to stink.

They said to call them and they would clean out the barrel for the residents.

The Kids Crafts tables were enjoyed by children of all ages.

The Monterey Park Police Department provided children of all ages a chance to sit on a motorcycle. They also handed out coloring books to the many children.

The Monterey Park Fire Department passed out red fire helmets as long as they lasted. Children of all ages enjoyed the helmets.

Members of CERT Team were on hand to answer any questions about their program.

Cub Scouts from Post 329 has a booth for any children how wanted to become a Scout.

The event featured many information booths, craft booths, food booths, a formal Tea Ceremonies, a Kimono Fashion Show, Magic Shows, a Flower Show, Hawaiian Dancers and more for you to enjoy the Japanese culture.