Denver Cherry Blossom Festival June 26/27

Sakura Square is the smallest of Denver's Asian ethnic hubs, and its oldest. The development was built in 1972 on the site of the existing Japanese district, which had been in place since before World War II and blossomed after the war, when Japanese-Americans who had been released from internment camps throughout the West settled in Denver.

Come visit Sakura Square and celebrate Japanese heritage at the FREE Colorado Cherry Blossom festival is this weekend, June 26-27. The square is tucked between Lawrence and Larimer, and 19th and 20th Streets in Downtown Denver. Festivities begin with the 11AM opening ceremony.

The festival features merchandise and food vendors. FREE lectures on Bonsai demonstrations, flower arranging and Buddhism will be held at the Hondo (main hall) of the Denver Buddhist Temple. Also don't miss the entertainment; Japanese drumming, Koto (traditional Japanese instrument) music, dance, and martial arts demonstrations.

Sakura Square houses numerous businesses that showcase the flavor of the Orient is in artwork, clothing and food. Our favorite is the 60-year-old Pacific Mercantile store. The cornerstone of Sakura Square is the Denver Buddhist Temple and all proceeds from the festival go to support the temple. The festival website is http://www.tsdbt.org/cherryblossom/index.php