Newton Citizen

The Atlanta Spring Classic will also be under way this weekend at the Georgia International Horse Park, featuring world class show jumping and riders ranging in age from 6 to 60. Here, rider Liza Boyd on Casalla, a 9-year-old Holsteiner warm blood horse, practices jumps before competition. The horse is owned by Erin McGuire of Camden, S.C., and trained by Boyd's father, Jack Towell. The father/daughter team has been coming to the Spring Classic since it began. Staff Photo: Sue Ann Kuhn-Smith

CONYERS -- The Georgia International Horse Park will be "in the pink" -- and green -- this weekend as the city of Conyers hosts the 32nd annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Organizers are asking visitors to join in a "Pink Out" at the festival by wearing the festival colors -- pink and green. Festival-goers are also asked to decorate their wagon or stroller for the event. Secret judges will be roaming the festival looking for the best-dressed individuals and best-decorated strollers and wagons. Prizes will be given to the winners.

The festival, which will take place Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the horse park, features 300 arts and crafts booths and food booths selling all types of festival fare. Admission to the festival is free with a $5 parking fee.

Also featured at the festival is a large, interactive children's area with rides, games and activities. Multiple stages will offer entertainment from diverse cultures along with local bands, karate demonstrations and clogging groups. This year's festival features Tampa Taiko, a dynamic duo who uses a collection of Taiko drums made from discarded wine barrels. Tampa Taiko has developed a fusion of old and new styles of drumming, bringing a contemporary vibe to an ancient martial art form. Tampa Taiko will perform at noon on Saturday and Sunday.

For festival information or directions to the Georgia International Horse Park, call the Conyers Welcome Center at 770-602-2606 or 1-800-CONYERS. Visit the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival website at www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com.

Those who would like to take a break from the festival action can also take in some show jumping as part of the Atlanta Spring Classic horse show, featuring world class show jumping. More than 800 horses will be participating in the show, which runs through March 24.

Show jumping takes place daily from 8 a.m. to between 4 and 6 p.m. in the Charles Walker Arena and Arenas 4-7. The Grand Prix will be held Saturday night in the Olympic Stadium. Admission is free to all events.

For more information, visit www.classiccompany.com.