2026 Cherry Blossom Legacy Queen Application

The Cherry Blossom Legacy Queen will be crowned to serve as an ambassador during the Cherry Blossom Festival in 2026; as well as throughout the year at various appearances and events.

The Cherry Blossom Legacy Queen will be chosen from applicants who are 55 years or older. The Legacy Queen will be selected based on application, 3 letters of recommendation, an interview and community involvement.  

Only 5 applicants will be chosen to move on to interview process. 

Interview Details:
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
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. 

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:
-55 years or older
-A legal resident of the state of Georgia
-3 Letters of Recommendation 
-Available for appearances during the Festival (March 20-29, 2026) as well as scheduled events throughout the year 
-Completed application with $50 application fee before the deadline, January 24, 2026. Application fee is non-refundable.

Rules and Regulations:
Final applicants will be notified by email by January 26, 2026 of their selection for the interview. 

No one else is 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 crowned. The Coronation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026. More details to come for those who make it to the interview process. 

Responsibilities of the Cherry Blossom Legacy Queen:
1. The Cherry Blossom Legacy 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 Legacy 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 Legacy Queen may be asked to make appearances throughout the Middle Georgia region.
5. The Cherry Blossom Legacy Queen is prohibited to enter another pageant until her reign as the Cherry Blossom Legacy Queen has ended. 
6. The Cherry Blossom Legacy 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 Legacy Queen will be required to make multiple appearances throughout the 10 days for media and photo opportunities. 

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. 

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 Legacy 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.

If I win, I will continue to hold the title of the Cherry Blossom Legacy 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 Legacy 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.