Cherry Blossom Festival 2019:
From Popping to Parading

Following is all of the information and links you will need for Rosa Parks JBBP’s participation in this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival. This page will be updated regularly.

 
popcorn_crop.jpg

Sakura Popcorn Popping Days

Thanks to all who came out to help pop a record number of bags! We couldn’t have done it without you!

IMG_8271c.jpg

Cherry Blossom Festival Booth

Come over to the Cherry Blossom Festival Food Bazaar to help sell our famous Sakura popcorn. (although it practically sells itself!)
Saturday, April 20
Sunday, April 21

18156426_1453276091361444_5002965392653333850_o.jpg

Grand Parade

Be a part of the Rosa Parks JBBP wave! Every year spectators remark at what an amazing sight it is to see our JBBP community coming over the hill dancing, marching, and having a fantastic time! 

All students, families, and alums are welcome to dance and march in the parade on Sunday, April 21. The parade starts at 1pm at Civic Center. Kindergarteners will join the 1st-5th graders mid-parade.

All parade participants, except Kindergarteners and their families, should meet in front of City Hall near the Grove St. corner by 12:15 pm.

Kinders and their families should meet at Nihonmachi Terrace, Post St. & Octavia St. (north side of the street) at 12:45pm.

Please let us know if your child will be marching in the parade so we have the appropriate number of happi coats for all students. 

We have only a few spaces left on the 11:15am cable car shuttle from Rosa Parks to the parade start at Civic Center. Confirmed cable car riders will be notified by Thursday.

Parade volunteers/donors needed!

We need more volunteers to help out with the happi coat distribution, collection and washing. We also still need donations of water or juice boxes for our paraders!

  • Distribute, collect and/or wash happi coats

  • Decorate the cable car

  • Decorate the truck with sound system

  • Pass out drinks to students after the parade

  • Provide water or juice or loan us your cooler prior to the parade. Please drop off at school.

Parade Dance

All students and families who want to march in the parade are strongly encouraged to learn the dances! We're looking for several people to help lead and call out the dance moves as we march in the parade!

Check out the following links so you and your kids can practice! 

Kaze ni Naritai
Video
Lyrics with call outs

J-Town Funk
Video
Lyrics with call outs

Here are tips on how to dress in traditional matsuri-style! (Thank you to Satoe Haile.) Students should wear navy, black or red shirts under their happi coats and black or navy pants. Adults—please wear your happi coat, parade t-shirt, or red on top and dark on bottom.