National Cherry Blossom Festival
In 1912 the mayor of Tokyo, Japan gave the city of Washington, DC the gift of 3,000 cherry trees. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event that commemorates that gift and honors the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan. The Cherry Blossom Festival Princess Program is a week long cultural and educational opportunity for young women from across the United States and around the world. Chosen to represent the 50 states, five territories, the District of Columbia, and international embassy community, women between the ages of 19 and 24 are selected for their leadership, academic achievements, and interest in social, civic, community, and world affairs. In 2001, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia became the first former Princess elected to server in the United States Congress.
Emily Tanner
West Virginia Cherry Blossom Princess
The 2016 West Virginia Cherry Blossom Princess is Ms. Emily Tanner. Emily is the daughter of Allen Scott Tanner and Shelley Tanner of Duck, in Clay County. She is a graduate of Elk Valley Christian School, where she participated in a variety of sports, charitable events, and academic competitions. Emily has already had a very successful collegiate career at Liberty University. As a freshman, she was involved in the Young Women for America Club and helped organize and plan the annual Military Gala. She was also inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and the Student Leadership program where she has served as a life group leader to counsel other young women. As a sophomore, Emily was hired as a project manager in the International Business Association, in which she managed a team of eight to ten fellow business majors to complete specific projects for non-profit organizations. Emily is also gaining a lot of government experience, interning with Senator Shelley Moore Capito in 2015 and planning to return in 2017 through the honorary Washington Fellowship see received from Liberty University. Emily is honored to serve as the West Virginia Cherry Blossom Princess and visit the French and Japanese Embassies where she can enhance her international business studies.
West Virginia State Society Reception
April 14, 2016 at 6 PM
Sine Irish Pub and Restaurant
1301 S Joyce St
Arlington, VA
West Virginia State Society (WVSS) will host a reception in Emily’s honor as the West Virginia Cherry Blossom Princess. The society welcomes everyone to this event as a free event and we hope to see everyone giving Emily support.
Other Cherry Blossom Princess Events
Sunday, April 10
Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony
2:00pm – 4:00pm at the
Tidal Basin
The ceremony takes place at the newly dedicated Japanese Rock Garden and is put on by NCSS, in conjunction with the National Park Service National Capital Region. It includes traditional music by the Toho Koto Society of Washington, DC and songs by the Washington Japanese Choral Society. The Joint Armed Forces Color Guard of the Military District of Washington, DC presents the colors.
Cost: Free
Monday, April 11
Cherry Blossom Celebration of States & Territories Reception
6:00pm – 8:30pm at the
Army and Navy Club
Join the U.S. and Japan Cherry Blossom Queens, along with all the State, Territory, and International Cherry Blossom Princesses, for an evening featuring food and drink from around the country. Club Manager, Marco Rosa, is a former White House Executive Chef from two different Administrations and has promised foods from our entire region.
Wednesday, April 13
Cherry Blossom Congressional Reception
6:00pm – 8:00pm
An annual event since the 1950s, this reception draws numerous members of Congress and foreign diplomats, who will escort Cherry Blossom Princesses representing their respective states, territories, or embassies. Drawing Congressional staff, Hill journalist, International diplomats and other VIP guests, who mix and mingle while discussing the major issues of the day.
Friday, April 15
Official Cherry Blossom Grand Ball and Sushi Reception
6:00pm – 12:00 midnight at the
Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel
The coronation of the United States Cherry Blossom Queen at the 2015 Official Cherry Blossom Grand Ball and Sushi Reception. An elegant black tie affair, attended by Washington’s power elite, who gather together with the States, Territories and International Embassies.
Saturday, April 16
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
10:00am – 12:00pm on
Constitution Avenue NW
The newly-crowned 2016 NCSS United States Cherry Blossom Queen and her Japan counterpart make their first public appearance during the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC
Cost: Free
Saturday, April 16
Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
10:30am – 6:00pm at
M St and New Jersey Avenue, SE
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC presents the annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, a vibrant afternoon featuring Japanese featuring food, arts and culture, merchandise, and live traditional and J-Pop performances on four stages, including martial arts demonstrations, and more.
Cost: Free