BY ANDY TAYLOR
chronicle@taylornews.org

The ever-popular car and motorcycle will be among the key events at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, set for Saturday, May 7 at Logan Park.

The event is sponsored by the Cherryvale Chamber of Commerce.

The car and motorcycle will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with registration set from 9 a.m. to noon. Entry fee is $15.00 per vehicle.

Awards will be given to the top 20 entries plus seven special categories, including Best of Show Vehicle, Best of Show Motorcycle, Best Modified Car, Best Modified Truck, People’s Choice, Best Original Truck and Best Original Car.

Dash plaques will be given to the first 50 entries.

For more information about the car show, call Joe Marchant at (620) 336-2145.

Plans have been announced for the second annual Cherry Blossom 5K Run set for 7:30 a.m., Saturday, May 6 at Logan Park.

Festival organizers said last year’s inaugural runs had more than 90 participants, and they also said they were hopeful for a larger turnout for this year’s event.

The 5K run is sponsored by Mercy Hospital.

Entry fee is $10 per adult or $5 per child age 9 and under. To guarantee a T-shirt, registration and fees must be paid by April 25. Registration will still be accepted on the day of the race, but participants will not be guaranteed a T-shirt.

An online registration form is available at the Cherryvale Chamber of Commerce website at www.cherryvaleusa.com/chamber.

For more information about the 5K run, call Megan Mezner at (620) 330-1745.

The festival also will include dozens of artisans, crafters and commercial vendors as well as food booths featuring everything from kettle popcorn to barbecue.

Live entertainment will also be held during the festival.

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Eight Cherryvale teenagers are vying for the title of 2011 Cherry Blossom Queen.

The crown will adorn the winner at a pageant set for 7 p.m., Saturday, April 30 at the New Life Praise and Worship, 308 N. Liberty.

The queen coronation will be held one week before the 2011 Cherry Blossom Festival, where the new queen will preside over festival events.

The candidates for the Cherry Blossom Queen crown include Missy White, Katie Russell, Belinda Busto Copeland, Kelsey Shearhart, Mary Reilly, Morgan Goins, Amanda Wright and Lainey Caulfield.

The public is invited to attend the coronation ceremony.

Next week’s Montgomery County Chronicle will have more information about the Cherry Blossom Festival.