The Hot Springs Sister City Program festival committee is delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival Haiku Competition sponsored by The Springs Magazine with generous support from Howard Lee Kilby. The competition, which aimed to celebrate the beauty of the Japanese poetry form, received an overwhelming response from talented poets across the state who submitted their cherry blossom-inspired poems.
YOUTH WINNERS
Sophia Hedrick
Blossoms bloom beauty
blossoms spread love like fire
blossoms bloom at dawn
Robinson Butler
I watch them because,
I love cats. They are so cute.
I am excited.
James Butler
Reading is my happiness.
It makes me happy.
ADULT WINNERS
Janine Davis
heavy with spring snow
evergreen boughs bow deeply
to greet morning sun
Erin Miller
As the nights warm up
restless hearts are seeking peace
while cicadas call
Reading is fun.
Candace Williams
Pink cherry blossoms
Budding once the warm sun shines
Takes your breath away
The Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and expresses gratitude to The Springs Magazine and Howard Lee Kilby for their invaluable support in making this competition possible.
For more information about the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival and future events, please visit www.hotspringssistercity.org.
About the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival: The Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the enduring friendship between sister cities Hot Springs and Hanamaki, showcasing Japanese culture through art, music, exhibits, and entertainment. Held annually in Hot Springs, the festival brings together communities from across the region to celebrate the beauty of spring and the cultural heritage of Japan.
