Cherry Blossom Queen Application

Interview Details:
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Time: Between 10am - 2:00 pm
Location: Cherry Blossom Headquarters  - 794 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201

For those who make it to the interview process, each contestant should dress in pink attire (dress or business attire). Select an outfit that would be appropriate for a job interview, which also reflects your personality and is age-appropriate. Theatre Makeup is not recommended for the interview.  

The time, manner, and method of judging are solely within the jurisdiction of the Cherry Blossom Festival and the decision of the judges is final. 

You must be ready for your interview 15 minutes ahead of time. Interviews will be 9 minutes and 30 seconds with an additional 30 seconds allowed for a closing statement, a total of 10 minutes.  

Requirements:
-Enrolled as a juniors in high school
-A legal resident of the state of Georgia
-Minimum GPA of 3.0 (transcripts must be mailed to the Cherry Blossom Festival Headquarters)
-3 Letters of Recommendation 
-Cover letter describing your desire and qualifications to become Cherry Blossom Queen
-Available for appearances during the Festival (March 21-30, 2025) as well as scheduled events throughout the year 
-Completed application with $50 application fee before the deadline, January 24, 2025. Application fee is non-refundable.  

The winner will be awarded the following:
- The opportunity to represent the Cherry Blossom Festival at events throughout the year
-Tickets to events during the Cherry Blossom Festival 
-A VIP experience for the 10 days of the Festival 
-A once in a lifetime experience 

Responsibilities of the Cherry Blossom Queen:
1. The Cherry Blossom Queen will have the opportunity to represent the festival at a variety of functions during its 10-day span.
2. She must be available to attend all functions requiring her presence as agreed on by the Cherry Blossom Festival.
3. All appearances throughout the Cherry Blossom Queen's reign will be determined or approved by the Cherry Blossom Festival. 
4. As representatives of Macon and the Cherry Blossom Festival, 
the Cherry Blossom Queen may be asked to make appearances throughout the Middle Georgia region.
5. The Cherry Blossom Queen is prohibited to enter another pageant until her reign as the Cherry Blossom Queen has ended. 
6. The Cherry Blossom Queen may receive donated outfits from the Cherry Blossom Festival clothing sponsors during her reign. She will be responsible for representing the sponsors who are supporting her in an appropriate and tasteful manner. She will also be required to acknowledge them on any social media post while wearing the donated items.

Cherry Blossom Festival Events:

The Cherry Blossom Festival will provide access to all ticketed events during the Festival. 

All royalty are required to wear pink or official Royal Court attire at all official appearances unless otherwise directed by the Royalty Coordinator.

Final applicants will be notified by email by January 27, 2025 of their selection for the interview.

No parents are allowed in the interview. 

The contestant must be of good moral character and not have been convicted of any crime. The contestant will be evaluated on poise, personality, intelligence, public speaking ability, current and future goals, and involvement in community affairs and extracurricular activities. 

All contestants must attach a recent color photograph with the application. The photo will be used for the Coronation program, where the winner will be crowend. The Coronation will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025. More details to come for those who make it to the interview process.

I understand that the Cherry Blossom Festival, their employees, volunteers and event sponsors cannot be held liable for any accident, injury, or theft that occurs at any event or during transportation to and from any events. Any and all publicity and appearances in the role of the Cherry Blossom Queen will be scheduled and conducted solely by and at the discretion of the Cherry Blossom Festival. The Cherry Blossom Festival reserves the right to use my photographs in any festival publicity or advertising.

Other Competitions.  If I win, I will continue to hold the title of the Cherry Blossom Queen until my successor is selected or appointed.  I agree that, during my service in that role and until after the scheduled completion of the full term of the position of Cherry Blossom Queen for which I was selected.

I agree to demonstrate personal commitment to the success of the organization, demonstrates enthusiasm and passion for the Festival and make an effort to remain engaged throughout the year. 

I agree to tell the truth, keeps commitments, behaves ethically, respect the dignity of every person you interact with, and maintain high standards of personal integrity.