People sat in Oregon State Capitol State Park while the cherry trees were blooming on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
After canceling its 2020 Cherry Blossom Day due to the pandemic, the Oregon Capitol Foundation is back with a virtual event on the first day of spring.
The annual event centers on the roughly 150 Akebono cherry trees that line State Capitol State Park in central Salem. It’s meant to welcome spring and celebrate the influence of Japanese culture in Oregon and Salem, according to the foundation’s website.
Some of the iconic trees were damaged in the February ice storm that knocked out power across the region. But those still standing are close to blooming, according to a post on the event page.
This year’s virtual event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 20 and includes a new video by Capitol Community Media showcasing previous Cherry Blossom Day events, as well as Japanese music and activities from heritage organizations. More information is available on the foundation website and event Facebook page.
-Rachel Alexander
