Cherry Blossom Festival’s Third Street Park Festivities start with sweet treats and smiles

The Cherry Blossom Festival officially kicked off its festivities at Third Street Park on Monday, despite a little rain.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Cherry Blossom Festival officially kicked off its festivities at Third Street Park on Monday, despite a little rain.

Visitors enjoyed pink cherry ice cream from Kroger, soft drinks and live music to set the mood. One of the highlights of the event was the appearance of “Cherry” the pink poodle, a beloved Cherry Blossom favorite that brought smiles to many faces.

Paul and Alice Williams, the owners of the iconic pink poodle, expressed how important the event is—not just to locals, but also to visitors.

“We like to bring out the best parts of our city. I always tell folks, with our awards, we’re the greatest city in America. We love for our community to be bonded together. And we like to see our visitors be treated like the royalty that they are.”

Chara Darden, a Kroger associate, says Kroger is a major contributor to the Cherry Blossom Festival every year.

“Join us for the Pinkest Party on Earth,” Darden said. “Kroger loves coming out here every year, so come get your free ice cream! We do this for the community and would love to see everybody out.”

For those who enjoyed the sweet treat Monday and want to keep the flavor going, Darden reminded festival goers about Kroger’s exclusive Amaretto Cherry Cordial Ice Cream.

“You can find it in stores,” she said. “It’s very good. It’s chocolate with cherry chunks.”

The festivities will continue all week at Third Street Park, with live music from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.