04/13/10 If You Blink You Will miss It: Once the cherry blossoms bloom, it only lasts a short time

The upcoming weekend will provide several opportunities to engage in the Japanese tradition of viewing the blooming of the cherry blossoms. The Greenwich-based Japan Society of Fairfield County will host its Sakura Festival on Sunday on the grounds of theGreenwich Japanese School.

During Sunday's festival, as part of the admission, participants will get a chance to eat outdoors with a prepared lunch from an area restaurant. Advance reservations are requested.

The event also will include Japanese folk dancing and martial arts demonstrations, including yagyu shinkage-ryu, or traditional Japanese swordsmanship. There also will be a Japanese tea ceremony planned and origami events for children.

The society has been sponsoring a cherry blossom festival for about 18 years.

The Greenwich Japanese School is at 270 Lake Ave., Greenwich. Sunday noon-4 p.m. $28 members ($14 children); $45 nonmember ($25 children), which includes membership. Admission includes lunch, reservations necessary by April 15.

Call 203-431-0697.

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