Philly Loves Sakura! This year’s Cherry Blossom Festival more popular than ever
April 14, 2010
Early estimates indicate another year of record-breaking attendance at the 13th annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia’s Sakura Sunday, where attractions such as drumming, dancing, and a new Sushi Experience drew approximately 40,000 people this past Sunday, April 11. SteegeThomson has now worked with the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, organizer of the Festival, for seven years to promote this celebration of Japanese culture and arts. SteegeThomson’s recommendations for revamping the Festival website to support media coverage and attract more visitors helped double attendance at Sakura Sunday in the last two years, and a cover photo and center spread in the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Weekend section helped build momentum this year. The 2010 Festival kicked off when Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter donned a blue kimono to create a new sushi roll. New events created a buzz, too – like the first annual Cherry Blossom 5K, which drew more than 200 participants on a route canopied by lush pink blossoms.
