This year the Sakura Matsuri’s Street Festival was held on Saturday, April 12, centered on Pennsylvania Ave. NW and stretching from 9th to 14th Streets. It is a major part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and the largest Japanese street event in the U.S. This year, as in the past, JETAADC alumn volunteered in droves to help ensure a smooth and fun time.
Just walking around from booth to booth, I was able to spot former JETs in a variety of positions – from Japan America Society Executive Director Marc Hitzig to a number of section chairs and sub-chairs, to day-of volunteers like yours truly (check out some photos below).
The weather was perfect and attendees enjoyed themselves heartily (the beer gardens sold out this year!). Here’s to a successful festival!
The JICC’s David Baasch (Hokkaido 2008-2013) assisting the sake tasting section.
Joel Zara (Chiba 2005-2009), Beer Garden sub-chair approving this year’s inventory.Kat Kovacs (Nara 2007-2011), Taste of Japan section chair, and I ( Paul Schuble, Hyogo 2008-2011) take a breather.MC Sarah Lyons (Kagoshima 2007-2009) tells the story of Peach Boy to some eager youngsters at the JETAADC-sponsored Children’s Corner.Sake Tasting booth (tent?) chair Jessica Kling (Fukushima 2007-2010) steps away from the hustle and bustle of sake enthusiasts for a moment to smile for the camera.JET Program consultant and former Chiba JTE Yui Itokawa gives some guidance on the finer points of shodo, Japanese calligraphy.Command Center sub-chair Beth Slupski (Kobe 2008-2011) gives directions to some visitors.
Sara Haider (Hyogo 2011-2012), Command Center chair Joy Young (Wakayama 2009-2012), Beth Slupski, and friends enjoy the awesome weather as the festival begins to wind down.
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