Since 1982 The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival has been an integral part of the celebration of spring in the area. The festival promotes cultural awareness and in appreciation of the arts in the greater Georgia area.

The festival originated when the city of Conyers received cherry trees in expression of friendship and good will from the city of Oyamazaki of Kyoto and Hitachi Maxell of Japan. Hitachi Maxell had opened a facility in Conyers in 1980 and as a contribution to the areas, gave 250 trees to the city as well as 250 to the new facility. To further bond this friendship, a festival to celebrate the blooming of the trees, similar to that of Washington, DC was born.

With this emphasis on beauty and cultivation of the arts, it is only fitting that food, basic to all human needs, be included. With the many varied backgrounds and cultures represented in the area, what better way to show friendship and appreciation than an exchange of recipes and ideas.

Contained in the following pages are recipes collected from many fine cooks in the area. Also included is a collection of fine art representative of the many talented artists located in the community.

Thus, this book is a tribute to excellence in taste - the culinary as well as the visual senses. We are proud to present A Taste of The Cherry Blossom Festival.