The year of 2017 has a lot of celebrations in store for the many people of Delmarva. But this year is huge for the state of Delaware. Come together March 16th to the 20th for the Cherry Blossom Beach Festival at the Cultured Pearl in Rehoboth Beach, DE to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of the sister relationship between the state of Delaware and Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture.

Over the past 20 years, more than 80 students have been a part of the Miyagi Student Exchange Program by visiting high schools in Dover, DE. This year, The Cultured Pearl and Rehoboth Beach are raising money to benefit Cape Henlopen High School, Dover High School, and the Miyagi Student Exchange Program to grant students from Delaware and Japan to send them on an educational and cultural adventure.

After a Tsunami hit Sendai, Japan in 2011, many homes and lives were taken due to this devastating disaster. Susan Wood, owner of the Cultured Pearl in Rehoboth Beach, DE, said many of the staff’s family members were affected due to the Tsunami so they traveled to Sendai to help the ones in need. After her experience, she wanted to celebrate the 20 year anniversary in a huge way.

Wood and her staff are now preparing for the Cherry Blossom Beach Festival with many events and activities in store. From 100% Japanese cuisine like Ramen, Takoyaki, and Taiyaki to activities like crafting origami, practicing calligraphy and drawing Anime! Not only are there scheduled events but there will be stands with crafts, games, souvenirs, and traditional Japanese street food.

Thursday, March 16th:

  • 12-4 p.m. – The Shops at the Pearl Mall and The Cultured Pearl will include Japanese street food, souvenirs, music, crafts, games and more!
  • 6-9 p.m. – Sushi 123 will consist of a fun filled evening of learning and dining hosted by Master Sushi Chef Yasuhiro Sano. Learn how to craft the classic Japanese cuisine! Reservations Required ($99).
  • 4-6 p.m. – Japanese Beer, Wine, and Liquor tastings at the Cultured Pearl Liquor Company hosted by Laura Lamprecht Specialty Wines.

Friday, March 17th:

  • 12-4 p.m. – The Shops at the Pearl Mall and The Cultured Pearl will include Japanese street food, souvenirs, music, crafts, games and more!
  • Sake Pour & More – 6-7:30 p.m. – Sake Pour & More – an educational cocktail hour sampling sake and Japanese delights hosted by Laura Lamprecht Specialty Wines. Reservations Required ($49).
  • Japanese Beer, Wine, and Liquor Tasting – 4-6 p.m. at the Cultured Pearl Liquor Company hosted by Laura Lamprecht Specialty Wines.

Saturday, March 18th

  • 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. at Grub Grocery – Dover High School’s Rolling Thunder Drumline
  • 12-4 p.m. – The Shops at the Pearl Mall and The Cultured Pearl will include Japanese street food, souvenirs, music, crafts, games and more!
  • 1:30 p.m. at the Cultured Pearl- Cosplay Fashion Show featuring anime fashion!
  • 4-6 p.m. – Japanese Beer, Wine, and Liquor tastings at the Cultured Pearl Liquor Company hosted by Laura Lamprecht Specialty Wines.
  • 8-11 p.m. at The Cultured Pearl- Karaoke Live on Stage

Sunday March 19th

  • 12-4 p.m. – The Shops at the Pearl Mall and The Cultured Pearl will include Japanese street food, souvenirs, music, crafts, games and more!
  • 6- 9 p.m. – Paint Night in Pearl Style! Hosted by Maiko Saleff at The Cultured Pearl. Reservations Required ($49).

No matter what event you choose to attend, come out and learn more about the Japanese culture from over 80 Japanese Exchange Students! The event is free with the exception of some events which require reservations. If you would like to purchase any souvenirs, food, or participate in any crafts or games, tokens will be available for purchase. 10% of the proceeds are donated to Cape Henlopen High School, Dover High School, and the Miyagi Student Exchange Program. So every penny counts!

For more information about this event visit www.cherryblossombeachfest.com or call 302-227-8493.