Join the Pinkest Party on Earth in Macon

Spring is really here when its time for the Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon — and that’s March 19th through the 28th. People have been known to dye their poodles pink for the ten days of these events.

It starts with a ribbon cutting at noon in Central City park on Friday, then there are events each day and nightly concerts at the park. Really, everyone in Macon gets involved in this party. The Hay House offers tours of its cupola (their normal tours don’t include the top of the house) and the Ocmulgee National Monument offers ranger-led Lantern Tours from 7:30 until 10.

There’s a Diamond Ball on the 19th at Macon’s Auditorium, then you can have pink pancakes in Central City Park (see map) Saturday morning. They’re presented by the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department. (If you don know — firemen are almost always great cooks!) The day is full with kids activities, a pet fashion show and the Dixie Disc Dogs championship. You’ll see the Sea Lions show, a Snakes of Georgia Encounter, Ham Radio enthusiasts, concerts, hot air balloons, a bed race and the Lawn Mower Grand Prix. That night there’s ballroom dancing at Wesleyan College’s Porter Auditorium and Motown at Le Piada.

The parade is Sunday, March 21, but don’t think that means things are over. It’s still just beginning. Each week day there are activities in Central City Park. Third Street Park (see map) offers carriage rides and free cherries and cream ice cream. More parties are scheduled for the last weekend, a car show, tour of homes, arts and crafts festival and a food fair, finishing up with fireworks at Wesleyan College Sunday night the 28th.

Macon is about an hour south of Atlanta on I-75. Be sure to make time to tour the Georgia Music Hall of Fame while you’re there. (See my post about it here.) You’ll be amazed at the impact this area has had on the music we listen to.

(Photos: Courtesy Macon Cherry Blossom Festival. Used with permission.)