2024 Rhode Island Cherry Blossom delegate application open now

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and the State Society of Rhode Island are seeking a motivated young woman, between the ages of 19 and 24 to represent Rhode Island as its 2024 Rhode Island Cherry Blossom princess delegate. This year’s crowning will take place in March at the Rhode Island State House.

The Cherry Blossom delegate is charged with representing Rhode Island at public and private events with government, business, arts and media leaders held throughout the week of the National Cherry Blossom Celebration in Washington, D.C. In the past decade alone, the Cherry Blossom delegates have met with former First Lady Laura Bush; toured the White House, attended events at the Japanese ambassador’s residence; visited Arlington Cemetery, the Institute for Peace, Kennedy Center and the national Monuments; performed community service for the homeless; promoted literacy at local elementary schools; and learned about the Japanese culture and the friendship between Japan and the United States.

Each delegate has been selected by their state society based on their achievements, and all the delegates are qualified to represent the United States. During the National Cherry Blossom Celebration, a queen is selected among the class of state Cherry Blossom princess representatives. It is the tradition of the program that the queen is selected by the spinning of a wheel. The wheel is spun once for the runner up and a second time for the queen.  

The queen then gets the opportunity to visit Japan on a goodwill tour to celebrate the friendship between the United States and Japan. She will visit Tokyo and is hosted by the Japan Sakura Foundation to meet with many local dignitaries and the prime minister. She also is hosted by the Gakudo Kofu Foundation in Ise City, where she visits Pearl Island. In recent years, the U.S. queen visited Shikuoka, where the research laboratory that created the Cherry Blossom trees that surround the Tidal Basin were developed. It is an amazing experience!

Application submission deadline is February 6, 2024. Visit ncss-cherryblossomprogram.com/application to apply.

For more information and princess delegate requirements, go to: statesocieties.org/princess

For any further questions, please contact Laura McNamara, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council’s Director of Events & Community Engagement at [email protected] or call (401) 724-2200 x204.