Cherry Blossom tops USA Today list of Southern festivals

When USA Today Travel chose its top 10 Southern cultural festivals, Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival was at the head of the list.

Although the events were not ranked, Cherry Blossom was the first mentioned.

“While there’s a good time to be had in each and every state, nobody truly throws a party like the South,” Eric Grossman wrote on the national newspaper’s website.

Grossman cited Macon’s 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees and variety of family-friendly events.

“It is a great honor for the Festival to be included among these amazing events and organizations,” Cherry Blossom CEO Jake Ferro stated in a news release. “Without the dedicated support of our staff, board of directors, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and the thousands of guests who visit Macon and its pink splendor and beauty each year, recognition like this would not be possible.”

Other festivals on the list include the Kentucky Derby, Memphis in May and the Spoleto Festival.

This story was originally published October 28, 2014 at 9:04 AM with the headline "Cherry Blossom tops USA Today list of Southern festivals ."