Los Altos residents might want to consider heading a few miles south of the city limits for the 15th annual Cherry Blossom Festival, set for this Saturday and Sunday at Memorial Park on Stevens Creek Boulevard across from De Anza College.
The hours for the free event will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featured will be a wide selection of Japanese food and beverages, entertainment, demonstrations, cultural exhibits, art, crafts and clothing for sale.
Several exhibits and presentations will be offered, many of them hands-on, at Quinlan Center's "Cupertino Room" in the northeastern part of the park facing Stelling Road. Among the many fascinating examples of Japanese culture will be: Washi dolls (paper dolls); Ikebana (flower arranging); Bonsai (miniature trees); Nihon Shishu (embroidery); Origami (paper folding); Arthur Mintz portraits of Japanese girls in kimonos; and Hina Ningyo (Girls' and Boys' Day doll displays).
Entertainment will include the San Jose Taiko drummers, the Sunnyvale Children's Suzuki Violinists, martial arts, classical odori (dance), and folk dances. A special kimono and obi demonstration will also be a part of the festivities.
Food offerings will include chicken salad, green tea, beef teriyaki, teriyaki skewered corn, sushi, tempura and chicken teriyaki.
The festival benefits the non-profit Cupertino Sister City Committee which promotes friendship and student exchange programs between the two cities.
For more information, call Lucille Honig, festival coordinator, at (408) 257-7424, or Margaret M. Abe at 967-0706.