NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE SOCIETIES
Schedule of Events
Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival
(ALL DATES/TIMES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT
TO RESTRICTIONS AS IMPOSED BY THE CITY OF
WASHINGTON DC)
Tickets will go on sale 4/18
Sunday, June 6, 2021
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 (map located here). Lantern is approximately 400 years old and weighs over 12,000 lbs and given as a gift by Japan 65 years ago. Musical Prelude starts at 2:30 PM with ceremony beginning at 3 PM until 4:30 PM.
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Join us for a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony and Luncheon and watch as the 2021 Princess Class exhibits fashions designed by Lilly Pulitzer. This event will be held at the Capitol Hilton starting at 11:30 and running until 1:30
**Due to DC Covid restrictions seating will be limited to 150 people, table sizes will be limited to 5 people unless all in the same family and masks will be required when appropriate.
Thursday, June 10, 2021
NCSS Cherry Blossom Grand Ball - The NCSS Cherry Blossom Grand Ball is the signature event where we celebrate the 2019/2020 Cherry Blossom Queen and crown the 2021 US Cherry Blossom Queen. Tickets include a pre-dinner Sushi Reception and dinner. Join us in celebrating this monumental event. The Grand Ball will be held at the Capitol Hilton Sushi Reception starts at 6:00 PM with the Ball starting at 7:30 PM
**Due to DC Covid restrictions seating will be limited to 250 people, table sizes will be limited to 5 people unless all in the same family and masks will be required when appropriate.
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
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 Congressional Visitors Center 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.