Macon prepares for 44th Cherry Blossom Festival

The 10-day festival begins March 20 and organizers expect large crowds and strong community support.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The countdown is on for the 44th annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, and organizers say they are in the final stretch of preparations.

Hannah Theus, director of marketing for the International Cherry Blossom Festival, said the team has worked year round to create an event for both residents and visitors.

“We’ve worked all year round to bring a wonderful event for the community and visitors alike,” Theus said. “We’re really looking forward to bringing people together for the 44th Cherry Blossom Festival. It is gonna be a great time.”

Last year, the festival generated a $6.5 million economic impact and welcomed more than 200,000 visitors. Organizers expect even larger crowds this year and say that kind of success would not be possible without strong community support.

“It makes such a difference when we have our residents as well as our guests just walking downtown, walking all over the community at events that are in north Macon, south Macon, east Macon, west Macon,” Theus said. “Everything that you know the community buying in just makes such a difference.”

As organizers prepare for the influx of visitors, local businesses are doing the same.

Cheyenne Bennett owns Macon Made Nutrition on Second Street in downtown Macon. The shop, which opened just a month ago, serves loaded teas, protein shakes and coffee. Bennett said this will be her first festival as a business owner.

“I’m a little nervous, but it gets easier the more people that come around,” Bennett said. “Just support the local businesses. It makes it a little easier on us. Just come out and support everybody.”

Bennett will take part in the Pink Provisions Party, serving three different pink drinks in honor of the festival. She said customers can stop by anytime during the celebration to try them.

Theus added that festivalgoers can expect new additions downtown and at Carolyn Crayton Park, along with interactive maps and a new app to help people plan their visit. She encourages everyone to attend the Cherry Blossom Parade and join in the festivities as Macon celebrates one of its signature events.

The festival starts Friday, March 20 and runs through Sunday, March 29.