Running of the Torches to kick off Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival Weekend

CONYERS, GA—The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival will burst into bloom Saturday, March 21, with the Running of the Torches, aceremonial fun run that brings the community together in the spirit of history,tradition, and connection.

Beginning at 9:15 a.m., the event officially launches festival weekend while honoring the Georgia International Horse Park’s legacy as a 1996 Olympic venue and celebrating 30 years of Olympic history — rooted together in Conyers. Participants will recapture the excitement of the Olympic torch relay, running

around the Grand Prix Olympic Stadium while carrying a pink ceremonial torch, acolor that symbolizes the festival’s spring tradition. The Georgia International

Horse Park’s deep Olympic roots and enduring role as a community gatheringplace make the tradition especially significant.

The ceremonial presentation will open with a tribute to former city leader Tony Lucas, who carried the torch during the 1996 Olympics held at the Horse Park.

The tribute will be led by his daughter, Conyers Police Deputy Chief Kim Lucas, honoring a legacy that continues to unite past and present generations — a

powerful reflection of what it means to be Rooted Together, the theme for the 45th annual festival.

The Running of the Torches is open to children and teens ages 6–18. All registered participants will keep their torch and receive an Olympic-style medal,

while the first 10 runners to cross the finish line will also receive a free, limited edition Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival t-shirt. Attendees are encouraged to

wear pink for the run. The event is free to participate, but advance registration is required. Parking is $10 per car and all participants are welcome to stay for the festival immediately

following the run. Participants will meet at the information booth of the festival to be guided to the Olympic Stadium.

To register, visit Eventbrite: https://shorturl.at/33mao

As the first official event of the weekend, the Running of the Torches invites families and young athletes to celebrate a shared legacy—where Olympic

history, community pride, and the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival remain Rooted Together.

For more information, contact festival manager, Dawn Tanner at

dawn.tanner@conyersga.gov or visit www.conyerscherryblossomfestival.com

At A Glance:

The public is invited to attend the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival on March 21 and 22, from 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m. The festival is located at the Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA. Admission is free

with $10 daily parking. The festival accepts credit or debit cards only for parking fees. Vendors participating in the festival may choose to accept credit cards,

debit cards or cash at their booth locations.

For more information about the award-winning Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival,visit www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com or call 770-860-4190.