Yoshinos each year with the trees being donated by the Fickling Family Foundation after William Fickling's death. Organization and Events Organization Festival organization is started months in advance of each festival. During this time, the Cherry Blossom Board of Directors and staff work on planning events, securing sponsors and working with the community to produce the festival. Volunteers from the community, like the Think Pink committee, also contribute to the festival through setting up and running events. In the approaching days of the festival, staff and volunteers make final preparations for the festival. Fountain water is dyed pink and cherry blossoms are painted around the area. The festival board also works together with Bibb County Sheriff's office to secure the festival as it is going on. Events Each year the Macon International Cherry Blossom Festival begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The festival often holds animal shows, concerts, theatrical performances, international showcase events, house tours, fashion shows, galas, luncheons, marathons, dances, fair rides, and bus tours along scenic Cherry Blossom trails. While some events vary each year, annual events include: Pink Pancake Breakfast- The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department hosts the breakfast in Central City park. The event began in 1990 and serves as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Mulberry Street Festival - An outdoor fine arts and crafts show held on Mulberry Street in downtown Macon, featuring artists from around the nation. International Food Fair - Held with the Mulberry Street Festival, it sells food from traditions around the world. Presented by Mellow Mushroom Macon. Cherry Blossom Street Party - Bands and performers of rock, blues, country, and other genres play live music at night. Cherry Blossom Pageant - A royal court of one queen and four princesses are chosen every year. Air Show - Held every year at the Macon Downtown Airport, it features aerobatic performances by military airplanes. Cherry Blossom Parade- Floats, marching bands, and performers ride around historic downtown Macon. Ocmulgee Lantern Light Tour - A guided twilight walk through the trails of Ocmulgee National Monument. Tunes and Balloons Festival Finale - Hot air balloons, live music, family activities, and fireworks close out the festival. It takes place on the Middle Georgia State University Macon campus. International Reach The festival has had visitors from all over the world. Officials and delegates from countries including Taiwan, Russia, and Uganda have visited the festival and participated in parades