2010 Cherry Blossom Festival calendar

Friday, March 19

Cherry Blossom Festival Ribbon Cutting and Opening Ceremony

Noon, Miller Lite Central City Park. Featuring international, state and local dignitaries celebrating the opening of the 2010 festival. Free.

Sea Lion Splash

2 p.m. and 6 p.m. shows, 8 p.m. playtime, Miller Lite Central City Park. This show is geared around educating the audience on the habits of the sea lions and brings out the inherent comedic behavior of these animals: catching and retrieving objects, balancing, handstands, dancing, singing and interaction with the audience. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau and State Bank.

Gospel Concert

7 p.m. Grand Opera House. Buses welcome, first come first seated. Free with a 2010 festival pin. Presented by Tom and Linda Lewis, and Jeff Powers, Attorney at Law.

Nightly Concert

8-11 p.m. Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Miller Lite Central City Park. Featuring Allman Brothers Tribute Band Midnight Riders. Free. Presented by Pizza Hut.

Diamond Ball

8 p.m. Macon City Auditorium. Dancing, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and music by the Georgia Big Band and Celebration. One lucky guest will be the winner of a one-carat diamond courtesy of Cortes Jewelers. Tickets at www.cherryblossom.com or by calling Mercer Ticket Sales, (478) 301-5470. $50 per person, tables of 10 available; $10 balcony. Presented by Bank of America and Durwood Fincher, Mr. Doubletalk.

Saturday, March 20

Pink Pancake Breakfast

7:30-10:30 a.m. Food Tent, Miller Lite Central City Park. Proceeds benefit American Cancer Society. $5 per plate, free parking. Presented by Macon-Bibb County Fire Department.

Third Annual Lawn Mower Grand Prix

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Amerson Water Works Park. A USLMRA STA-BIL Racing event benefiting Cox Capitol Theatre. (478) 257-6391. Free. Presented by Cox Communications. Event continued on March 21.

Kids CherryDazzle

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Miller Lite Central City Park. Featuring face painting, games, prizes, mascots and more. Free events from Lowe’s and Applebee’s. Giveaway by Invisible Fence. Presented by Waters Construction.

Pet Fashion Show

11 a.m. registration, 1-2:30 p.m. show, Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage. Fashion show for pets and their owners including categories such as Best Dressed, Pet/Owner Look-alike and Prettiest in Pink. Prizes for winners. Rain date March 21. Free. Presented by FURever Friends.

Dixie Disc Dogs Championships

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Miller Lite Central City Park. Premier Frisbee Dogs from around the country compete for the Championship Title.

Sea Lion Splash

11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m. shows, 8 p.m. playtime, Miller Lite Central City Park. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau and State Bank.

Motorcycles Display

12:30-2:30 p.m. Miller Lite Central City Park. More than 100 bikes on display. Free. Presented by ABATE of Georgia.

Performance by featured nation Russia

For information, visit www.cherryblossom.com.

Bed Race

1 p.m. Cherry Street, downtown. Teams of five competing for funniest, most original, judge’s choice and the fastest bed. Official Bed Race Headquarters Beds and Bedding. Heat timing by Technicon Engineering. Free. Presented by Walthall Oil Co.

Outdoor Youth Choir Concert by Martha Bowman United Methodist Youth Choir

2 p.m. following Bed Race, Third Street Park. One-hour worship presentation with a 50-voice choir and live band. (478) 477-4188, extension 111. Free.

Snakes of Georgia Encounter

2:30-3:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Miller Lite Central City Park. Live demonstrations. Free.

Tunes and Balloons

4 p.m. gates open, Macon State College. Parking off Ivey Road. Hot air balloon tether rides, children’s activities, live music by the Loose Skrews Band, and a balloon glow at dusk. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics. Food vendors on site. $5 per person, free for children under 6. Presented by Cox Communications, The Georgia Lottery Corp. and The Medical Center of Central Georgia.

Picnic and Pops

5 p.m. Coleman Hill, Bond Street. Featuring Middle Georgia Concert Band. Bring picnics, lawn chairs. Free.

A Night of Motown

7 p.m. Le Piada, 4295 Interstate Drive. Food, music and prizes given for costumes and innovative dancing. Benefiting Central Georgia Technical College’s Adult Education Scholarship Fund. (478) 474-3566. $30 per person, $50 per couple, $200 per table of eight. Presented by Harmon and Harmon Realtors Inc.

Cherry Blossom Ballroom Spectacular

8 p.m. Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College. Ballroom dance and Latin performances as seen on television. www.dancecentreballroom.com. (478) 743-9391. $10 per person.

Nightly Concert

8-11 p.m. Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Miller Lite Central City Park. Featuring country group The Nick Malloy Band with Shane Bridges. Free. Presented by Pizza Hut.

Sunday, March 21

Cherry Blossom Opening Worship Service

11 a.m. Vineville United Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Ave. Sunday church service honoring the Cherry Blossom Festival. (478) 745-3331.

Amazing Animal Athlete Dog Show

11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Miller Lite Central City Park. Championship Disc Dogs perform freestyle demonstrations. Free.

Sea Lion Splash

Noon, 2 p.m., 6 p.m. shows, 8 p.m. playtime, Miller Lite Central City Park. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau and State Bank.

Cherry Blossom Lantern Lighting Ceremony

2 p.m. Third Street Park, Third and Mulberry streets. Festival dignitaries light the ceremonial lantern. Free. Presented by Wesleyan College.

The Organ at St. Joseph

2 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church, 830 Poplar St. (478) 745-1631. Organ concert by Gail Archer. Free.

Snakes of Georgia Encounter

2:30-3:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Miller Lite Central City Park. Live demonstrations. Free.

Middle Georgia Youth Ballet

2:30 p.m. Grand Opera House. A Grand Afternoon of Song and Dance featuring “Les Patineurs” from The Skaters and “Where the Wild Things Are” as well as performances by the Mercer University Children’s Choir. $10 adults, $8 students, $10 day of show, general admission.

Cherry Blossom Parade

3 p.m. Cherry and Mulberry streets. Floats, military units, marching bands, costumed performers, international dignitaries and more. Parade will air at 7 p.m. March 23 on NBC. Parade DVDs for sale at www.41NBC.com or call (478) 745-4141. Free. Presented by Geico.

Hark the Harp

3 p.m. Riverside United Methodist Church, 735 Pierce Ave. (478) 746-9688, extension 113. Betsy Fitzgerald demonstrates how the harp works and showcases music. Free. Presented by Riverside United Methodist Church.

Nightly Concert

6-9 p.m. Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Miller Lite Central City Park. Featuring Hollywood Band. Free. Presented by Pizza Hut.

Cherry Blossom Kaleidoscope of Cultures

7 p.m. Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College. Cultural performances by the festival’s featured nations Japan, Taiwan, Russia and the United Kingdom. Free with a 2010 festival pin. Presented by Wal-Mart.

Monday, March 22

Third Street Park Festivities and Ribbon Cutting

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Third Street Park, downtown. Dignitaries cut ribbon to open Third Street Park festivities. Free Pet Dairy’s Cherries and Cream Ice Cream, Coca-Cola and carriage rides. Presented by Atlanta Postal Credit Union.

Sea Lion Splash

11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m. shows, 8 p.m. playtime. Miller Lite Central City Park. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau and State Bank.

Cherry Blossom Organ Concert

Noon, Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Pipe organ concert by Charles Higgs of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Atlanta. (478) 745-8601. Free.

Nightly Concert

6-9 p.m. Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Miller Lite Central City Park. Featuring Big Mike and the Booty Papas. Free. Presented by Pizza Hut.

An Evening of Music

7 p.m. Highland Hill Baptist Church. Featuring Bibb County Honor Choir and instrumental music. (478) 765-8595. Free. Presented by Bibb County School District.

Tuesday, March 23

A Taste of the South

10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. house tours, noon lunch, Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, 730 College St. “Old South” luncheon with a garden photography lecture. The home is located in the historic district. (478) 742-0921. $20.

Jack Golden Environmental Show

10:30 a.m. Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College. Recycling education and litter prevention assembly program for elementary students. Call (478) 751-7412 for reservations. Free. Presented by Georgia Power.

Sea Lion Splash

11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. playtime, Miller Lite Central City Park. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau and State Bank.

Third Street Park

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Third Street Park, downtown. Free Pet Dairy’s Cherries and Cream Ice Cream, Coca-Cola and carriage rides. Presented by Atlanta Postal Credit Union.

Cherry Blossom Organ Concert

Noon, Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Pipe organ concert by Gregg Bunn of Brentwood UMC, Brentwood, Tenn. (478) 745-8601. Free.

Nightly Concert

6-10 p.m. Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Miller Lite Central City Park. Margaritaville featuring Jimmy Buffett tribute band A1A. Free. Presented by Pizza Hut.

Army Ground Forces Band Concert

7:30 p.m. Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. Patriotic and popular music. Free. Presented by Hudson and Marshall.

Wednesday, March 24

A Taste of the South

10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. house tours, noon lunch, Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, 730 College St. “Old South” luncheon with a garden photography lecture. The home is located in the historic district on the National Historic Register. (478) 742-0921. $20.

Jack Golden Environmental Show

10:30 a.m. Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College. Call (478) 751-7412 for reservations. Free. Presented by Georgia Power.

Sea Lion Splash

11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m. shows, 8 p.m. playtime, Miller Lite Central City Park. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau and State Bank.

Third Street Park Festivities

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Third Street Park, downtown. Free Pet Dairy’s Cherries and Cream Ice Cream, Coca-Cola and carriage rides. Presented by Atlanta Postal Credit Union.

Cherry Blossom Organ Concert

Noon, Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Pipe organ concert by Flint Dollar of Northminster Presbyterian Church. (478) 745-8601. Free.

Tour of Historic First Presbyterian Church

1-3 p.m. 682 Mulberry St. Tours held every 15 minutes, parking and handicap accessibility on First Street. (478) 746-3223. Free.

Twins Day

4:45-6 p.m. (registration begins at 4 p.m.) Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Miller Lite Central City Park. Categories include oldest, youngest, look most alike, look least alike, and the largest set of multiples. Free. Presented by Park Community Credit Union with thanks to Taylor Trophy.

Nightly Concert

6-9 p.m. Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Miller Lite Central City Park. Featuring Big Ernie’s Original Garage Band with Joey Stuckey. Free. Presented by Pizza Hut.

Thursday, March 25

Tour of Historic First Presbyterian Church

10 a.m.-noon, 682 Mulberry St. Tours held every 15 minutes, parking and handicap accessibility on First Street. (478) 746-3223. Free.

A Taste of the South

10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. house tours, noon lunch, Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, 730 College St. “Old South” luncheon with a garden photography lecture. The home is located in the historic district on the National Historic Register. (478) 742-0921. $20.

Sea Lion Splash

11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m. shows, 8 p.m. playtime, Miller Lite Central City Park. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau and State Bank.

Fashion Show and Champagne Brunch

11:30 a.m. Macon City Auditorium. Fashion show coordinated by SoChi Services, celebrity emcee Liz Fabian, celebrity guest models, pink champagne and catered brunch. Decorations provided by Unforgettable Flowers & Gifts. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling Mercer Ticket Sales, (478) 301-5470. $35 per person or $300 tables of 10. Presented by the Georgia Heart Center at The Medical Center of Central Georgia and Carlyle Place.

Third Street Park

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Third Street Park, downtown. Free Pet Cherries and Cream Ice Cream, Coca-Cola and carriage rides. Presented by Atlanta Postal Credit Union.

Cherry Blossom Organ Concert

Noon, Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Pipe organ concert by Kui-lm-Lee of University of Northern Iowa. (478) 745-8601. Free.

Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve Concert

7:30 p.m. Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. Jazz and patriotic music. Free. Presented by Osan Petroleum Co.

“Defending the Caveman”

7:30 p.m. Grand Opera House. The longest-running solo play in Broadway history. Without taking sides, this insightful comedy explores the ongoing battle for understanding between the sexes. Mercer Ticket Sales, (478) 301-5470. $39.50.

Nightly Concert

9-11:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Miller Lite Central City Park. Featuring ’80s band Girlz, Girlz, Girlz. Free. Presented by Pizza Hut.

Friday, March 26

Sea Lion Splash

11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m. shows, 8 p.m. playtime, Miller Lite Central City Park. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau and State Bank.

Founders Day Celebration and Third Street Park Festivities

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Third Street Park, downtown. Celebration honoring William A. Fickling Sr. and Carolyn Crayton including free cake provided by Wal-Mart served at 11:30 a.m. Free Pet Dairy’s Cherries and Cream Ice Cream, Coca-Cola, live music and carriage rides. Presented by Atlanta Postal Credit Union.

Cherry Blossom Organ Concert

Noon, Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Pipe organ concert by Jamie Shiell of Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Atlanta. (478) 745-8601. Free.

Party with a Purpose Featuring Big Daddy Weave presented by Ingram Entities