Horses, tigers and more bring family fun to Central City Park in Macon during the Cherry Blossom Festival

The XPogo Stunt Team, a group of extreme pogo stick performers that has earned 12 Guinness World Records, will flip, jump and catapult themselves three times a day for 10 days beginning Friday at Central City Park during the Cherry Blossom Festival.

"They jump over things like cars and people," said festival president and CEO Jake Ferro. "They are unbelievable. They are professional athletes, and this is really something to watch."

The three pogo performers will be using high-tech versions of the two-handled, spring-loaded sticks that children have been playing with since 1957 when George B. Hansburg first patented the toy. Xpogo, the name for the sport itself, traces its origins to 1999 when a group of athletes began treating pogo as a competitive sport, according to group's website.

Ferro said organizers scheduled the pogo demonstration and the festival's two large animal performances so that visitors can see all three within 90 minutes.

The Bengal Tigers Encounter is especially breathtaking, says Ferro.

"I mean, how many people get to see a Bengal tiger within 10 feet?" Ferro said.

Horses, Horses, Horses returns for its second year and will feature 12 miniature stallions, including one that will be dyed pink in honor of the festival. World-famous horse trainer Lisa Dufresne leads the equestrians as they waltz, bow and rear, and walk on their hind legs.

"The festival has something for everyone," said Tracie Hill Davis, festival account manager. "And a big part of Central City Park is attracting families, and for families to see things they can't see every day."

A large Ferris wheel will be added this year in addition to the usual fair rides and food.

"Ferris wheels are synonymous with festivals, so we are excited to have a really big one finally," Farro said.

Model train enthusiasts can find the Middle Georgia Model Railroad Club's exhibit in the round building,

"People love model railroads and when you see the one they put together, it's unbelievable," Farro said.

Park admission is $5 at the gate or $3 in advance, and children ages 10 and younger get in free. Senior Citizens Day at Central City Park is Wednesday, and Military & Uniform Recognition Day is Thursday. Eligible visitors paying the $5 admission will receive $5 in "blossom bucks" to spend at food vendors on those days.

Parking is free, and a free park and ride service is available at two lots outside the festival: the Hutchings Career Center on Riverside Drive and the lot at Fifth and Plum streets.

Ferro hopes the reduced cost and additional transportation options will encourage more people to attend the events at Central City Park.

"Everybody has their own likes and dislikes, and just because I like the festival doesn't mean everyone will," Ferro said. "But I think it's important to give me just one shot at it -- you'll probably love it. It's like the old Lay's potato chips: You can't have just one."

See page 41E, for day-by-day listings of Cherry Blossom Festival events at Central City Park, and page 39E for more information about the park.

This story was originally published March 24, 2016 at 6:43 PM with the headline "Horses, tigers and more bring family fun to Central City Park in Macon during the Cherry Blossom Festival ."