2013 Cherry Blossom Festival Kicks Off at Central City Park

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The 2013 Cherry Blossom Festival is officially under way.

City and festival leaders cut the ribbon on the festival Friday in a noon ceremony at Central City Park.

Thousands will flock to Macon over this 10-day extravaganza that’s called “The Pinkest Party on Earth,” including hundreds of vendors–everything from chicken on a stick to personalized rings and necklaces.

It’s Brian Ross’s first time at the festival.  He and his son Brandon traveled from Cullman, Alabama, to run their custom jewelry booth.

“We’re expecting a big crowd,” says Ross.  “The weather’s going to be nice.  We’re just hoping for a big turnout.”

It’s time for everybody to pull out the pink clothes, because if you don’t, you might feel a little left out.  Even the dogs are pink this time of year.

Paul Williams of Pet Grooming by Paul and Alice, says he’s getting ready to pose for thousands of pictures.

“We try to make as many functions as we can,” says Williams.  “We come down to the park, we go to Cherry Street Park.  We do the fashion show with Mark Ballard, so we try to get out as much as we can.  We now actually have two poodles, so we can tag team them so they don’t get too tired.”

Another local favorite says she comes back every year, because she loves the people.

“This is not my normal color,” says Carolyn Freeman, dressed in—you guessed it—pink.  “I’m better known as the Atlanta Falcons’ ‘Bird Lady,’ so I’m normally bleeding black and red, but I had to go pink for the Cherry Blossom, because after all, I am from Macon, Georgia.”

MORE: Protestor Disrupts Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony

Get ready for some beautiful weather, middle Georgia, and let the good times roll.

“The fun part of coming down here is to listen to the entertainment and eat the food,” says Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. “I’m inviting everybody to come down and enjoy the Central City Park.  Between the sheriff’s office and the police department, we’re going to make this—as well as the pinkest place in town—the safest place in town, so come down and enjoy.”

The ribbon cutting was the kickoff to dozens of events planned throughout Macon over the next 10 days.

For a full list of events, visit our Community Calendar.