The Cherry Blossom Festival, an annual celebration of Japanese culture and heritage in Hawai'i organized by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce will accept applicants through Aug. 15.

The festival offers several events, such as a Heritage Fair at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, various contestant appearances throughout O'ahu, a Golf Tournament, a fashion show and the main highlighted event, the Cherry Blossom Festival Ball in March.

The Cherry Blossom Festival Queen contest allows young women to learn about their Japanese-American heritage in Hawai'i. A winner is chosen based on work ethic and community service focus.

The reigning Cherry Blossom Queen, Richelle Nakata, a graduate of Punahou, is the latest winner. Nakata and the reigning court will be a part of a delegation of Chamber members in a visit to Japan this October.

In January 2008, the 56th Cherry Blossom Queen Contestants will be revealed to the public. In the months leading up to the Festival, contestants will take classes in Japanese culture and heritage, hone their public speaking and leadership skills, and participate in community service projects. At the Festival Ball in March 2008, a new Queen and Court will be crowned.

For one year after being crowned, the Cherry Blossom Queen and Court are actively involved in community service, and promote and perpetuate Japanese American culture by participating in cultural events. They travel to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle to participate in sister Festivals. And in the fall, they participate in a two-week Goodwill Tour of Japan

Applicants must have at least 50 percent Japanese ancestry, be between the ages of 19 and 26 years old, single, a U.S. citizen and Hawai'i resident. A completed registration form, proof of Japanese ancestry through a birth certificate and a $25 application fee is required.