NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE SOCIETIES
Schedule of Events
NCSS National Cherry Blossom Festival
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony - Join NCSS and the National Park Service for the traditional lighting of the Japanese Stone Lantern, located amidst the cherry blossom trees. The Lantern is only lit once a year during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Musical Prelude starts at 2:30 PM with ceremony beginning at 3 PM until 4:30 PM.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Watch Cherry Blossom Princess alumni and members of the All Japan Kimono Consultant Association exhibit elegant and elaborate Kimonos and enjoy a luncheon. Show will begin at 11:00 PM and run until 1:30 PM at the Capital Hilton. Valet parking available.
Friday, April 3, 2020
NCSS Cherry Blossom Grand Ball - The NCSS Cherry Blossom Grand Ball is the signature event where we celebrate the 2019 Cherry Blossom Queen and crown the 2020 US Cherry Blossom Queen. Tickets include a pre-dinner Sushi Reception, dinner and dancing. Join us in celebrating this monumental event. The Grand Ball will be held at the Capital Hilton. Sushi Reception starts at 6:00 PM with the Ball starting at 7:30 PM
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
An annual event since the 1950s, the Congressional Reception draws numerous members of Congress and foreign diplomats, who escort Cherry Blossom Princesses representing their respective states, territories, or embassies. Held in the stately Senate Dirksen Office Building, Room G-50 from 6:00-8:00pm on Capitol Hill. Congressional staff, Hill journalists, international diplomats, and other VIP guests mix and mingle while discussing major issues of the day. This year’s Honorary Co-Chairs for the program are The Hon. Lisa Murkowski and The Hon. Shelley Moore Capito. Featured guests for the evening include Ambassador and Mrs. Shinsuke J. Sugiyama.
Saturday, April 4, 2020
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade - The newly-crowned US Cherry Blossom Queen and her Japanese counterpart make their first public appearance during the National Cherry Blossom Parade presented by Events DC.
Sakura Matusri Japanese Street Festival - The Japan-America Society of Washington DC presents the annual Japanese Street Festival, a vibrant afternoon featuring Japanese food, merchandise, arts and culture. Visitors to the NCSS tent can mingle with the 2020 US and International Cherry Blossom Princesses.