Cherry Blossom Festival serves up ice cream and fun in Third Street Park in Macon

Cherry ice cream in Third Street Park has become a tradition of the Cherry Blossom Festival, and this year guests will be treated to even more sweets.

"We've added Krispy Kreme doughnuts that will be cherry and Coca-Cola products -- some high energy, sugar-high stuff," said festival president and CEO Jake Ferro.

A small stage also has been added this year, with live music planned daily during the festivities, which happen March 28-April 1.

"On Thursday, we will be recognizing our military and veterans and those in uniform. We have a military band in concert that night, and they are coming in early enough to perform at lunchtime, too. We haven't had a military band in five years; it's very special," Ferro said of the Navy Band Southeast.

The Sozo Children's Choir will be performing Tuesday, in one of six performances during the festival, and on April 1, the festival's three grand marshals -- representing the Terminal Station, the National Parks Service and NuWay Weiners, all celebrating their 100th anniversary this year -- will be recognized.

"We invite everyone to come out and grab a snack," Ferro said. "The blossoms will be blooming like crazy this year, and (Third Street Park) will be the perfect place to enjoy the festival."

Third Street Park Festivities

When: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 28-April 1

Where: Third Street Park, downtown Macon

Cost: Free

Information: 478-330-7050; www.cherryblossom.com

This story was originally published March 24, 2016 at 6:43 PM with the headline "Cherry Blossom Festival serves up ice cream and fun in Third Street Park in Macon."