This year decided to just mosey on in the parade route as a participate from the start at the Civic Center and walk as far as I could before anyone noticed. Needless to say, I got as far as Japantown(1.5 miles later) before an officer pulled me aside and asked me what I was doing. I looked at him innocently and told him I just lost my friend a ways back and could not find her. I was promptly escorted off the parade route. This is one my favorite shots as the Geisha's were cresting a hill overlooking Japantown and thus starting my Cherry Blossoms Series. Thank you for stopping by. I really do appreciate all the views and comments on all my last posts. The 2011 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival now celebrating its 44th year, is one of California's most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions. Each year, over 200,000 people attend this dazzling display showcasing the color and grace of the Japanese culture and the diversity of the Japanese American Community. Also, after the 1906 earthquake, known as San Francisco’s darkest hour, Japan was the largest contributor to aid relief and was an integral partner in rebuilding the city, organizers said.