Sanctioned Event Application

2026 Cherry Blossom Festival
Sanctioned Event Guidelines
Contact:
Sarah Ford
478-330-7050
sford@cherryblossom.com

 
Festival Dates
March 20–29, 2026

 
Application, Fee, and Insurance Deadline
February 28, 2026
All applications, applicable fees, and insurance documentation must be submitted by this date to be considered.

 
Application Fees
School, Military, and Macon-Bibb County Events: Free
Non-Profit Organizations: $50
All Other Applicants: $250
 
Ticketed Events
For events that collect ticket sales or registration fees, the Cherry Blossom Festival will collect 10% of the total net proceeds after the event.

A post-event report and payment form will be provided and must be returned no later than May 3, 2026, along with the required 10% payment.

 
Rules and Regulations
Logo Usage: All promotional materials, including advertising, brochures, and programs, must feature the official Cherry Blossom Festival logo. Compliance will be monitored and used in evaluating future participation eligibility.
Mission Alignment: Events must support the Cherry Blossom Festival’s mission and uphold its ethical standards.
Sponsor Conflicts: Events may not conflict with, compete against, or negatively impact existing Festival sponsors or patrons.
Neutrality: Events should not focus on political, ideological, or controversial topics.
Political Activity: Political statements, attire, or messaging by event staff or volunteers are strictly prohibited. Non-neutral events will not be sanctioned in future years.
Event Quality: All events must be appealing, well-organized, and of high quality.
Fees: The appropriate sanctioned event fee must be submitted with your application.
Insurance: Each event must carry a liability insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and proof of coverage must be included with the application.
Health Department Requirements: Events that serve or sell food must comply with all Health Department regulations.

Contact: Shondreka Webster, Georgia Department of Public Health
(478) 749-0121 | shondreka.webster@dph.ga.gov
Non-Profit Verification: Non-profit organizations must include a copy of their 501(c)(3) certificate.
Refunds: All fees are non-refundable for any reason.
Changes or Cancellations: Organizers must notify the Cherry Blossom Festival immediately if the event is canceled or if there are changes to venue, time, or other details after submission.
 
Insurance Requirements
All applicants must provide a Certificate of Insurance showing commercial general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and aggregate, issued by an acceptable insurer.
The policy must list Macon Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. as Additional Insured.
The insurance coverage must be primary and non-contributory with any other Festival insurance.
 
Festival Benefits
Sanctioned events will receive:

Event listing on the Cherry Blossom Festival website and mobile app.
Social media promotion via Facebook posts that include direct links to your event.
Brand association rights to use the Cherry Blossom Festival name and logo in your event title, advertising, and promotional materials.

1. Your organization is solely responsible for producing your event, including obtaining any necessary permits.  2. You are responsible for any/all street closures or park rental requests unless otherwise noted by the Cherry Blossom Festival. Permits must be completed and filed through the Macon-Bibb Parks & Beautification Department at least 30 days prior to your event. For more information, call 478-803-0484. FORCE MAJEURE. I understand and agree that neither Macon Georgia's International Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., nor I (the “parties”) will be liable for any failure or delay in performing an obligation under this Agreement that is due to any of the following causes, to the extent beyond the Party’s reasonable control: natural disasters or acts of God, accident, riots, war, terrorist act, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, civil commotion, breakdown of communication facilities, breakdown of web host, breakdown of internet service provider, natural catastrophes, governmental acts or omissions, changes in laws or regulations, national strikes, fire, explosion, generalized lack of availability of raw materials or energy. For the avoidance of doubt, Force Majeure shall not include (a) financial distress nor the inability of either party to make a profit or avoid a financial loss, (b) changes in market prices or conditions, or (c) a party's financial inability to perform its obligations hereunder. Initial stating you have read and agreed to this policy.