GUIDELINES

1. Period:  Entries will be accepted between 4/19 and 5/5 (inclusive). Include the photographer’s name, email address, and the date the photo was taken.
2. Photos:  Photos must be of cherry trees taken in North Park from 4/19/2014 to 5/5/2014, in JPG format. No digitally altered photos are allowed. Submit one entry per person, in JPG format.
3. Judging:  A panel consisting of Sakura Project Board members and one or more professional photographers will judge the photos (identifying information will be removed before judging).
4. Prizes:  1st place, $50 gift certificate to Chaya Japanese Cuisine and a Pittsburgh Sakura Project t-shirt; 2nd place, $25 gift certificate to Chaya Japanese Cuisine and a Pittsburgh Sakura Project t-shirt; 3rd place, $25 and a Pittsburgh Sakura Project eco bag.
5. Submission:  attach as a JPG file and email to pgh_sakuraproject@msn.com, with 2014 Photo Contest in the subject line. Include the identifying information (name of photographer, date photo was taken) in the body of the email. We will not acknowledge receipt. Photos received outside of the submission period (above) will not be considered. By submitting a photo, you give Pittsburgh Sakura Project permission to post on our website and to use in future promotional materials.
6. Announcement of winners:  Winners will be announced on the Pittsburgh Sakura Project website, and notified by email.

Pink Flair, 4-20-2014 at the playground

Special green tea and Japanese sweet (uguisu mochi) from Saturday bud appreciation “hanami” party

volunteers on 4-19-2014

Yoshino buds, Sunday 4-20-2014, near Pearce Shelter

A few new faces and some old friends enjoyed the warm weather in North Park last weekend. The blossoms were not ready yet, but the tea and sweets were special and the conversation also warm. Some volunteers helped with tree maintenance too. Weather that was very cold, and now quite warm, has made prediction of peak bloom date difficult this year. Check our public Facebook page for the most recent news. https://www.facebook.com/PghSakuraProject

LET’S HAVE A HANAMI PARTY!

Saturday, April 19, 3:00-4:00 pm

Pearce Shelter, by Pearce Mill Road

Up on the hill from Boathouse parking

Dear Sakura friends,

I went to Washington DC to see their sakura blossom for the first time in 35 years on April 10.  Somei Yoshino, white with hint of pink, were in full bloom not only at the Tidal Basin, but also all over the capital area.  Some of the original trees, over 100 years old, are still going strong, but the National Arboretum, which grows Yoshino from suckers of original trees as well as many other varieties of sakura have been replacing dead trees and planting anew.

Our sakura in North Park usually bloom two weeks after DC’s.  At HANAMI, sakura viewing party, on Saturday, April 19, we will see some early blooms, such as crimson red okame and weeping cherries. Yoshino is budding. The beautiful pink doubled layered accolades on the hill toward the boathouse will be blooming soon. We predict our viewing season will lasts two weeks thanks to cooler temperatures and eight varieties compared to only one week in Washington DC. Come and take photos!

We will serve a Japanese sweet and a bowl of macha tea (suggested donation $3).  Gather your family and friends. Bring your picnic under the blossoms (no alcohol, due to County Park regulations).

Yoko Motoyama