Former Northern California Cherry Blossom Court members and their families got together at Lake Elizabeth Park in Fremont on Aug. 3 for an afternoon of fun in the sun with a barbecue lunch and picnic games for their children.

This was the first time ever that former court members gathered together for the purpose of a reunion. Twelve former court members gathered, some of whom had not seen each other in over 15 years. It was a special event, as it included three decades of court members:

1987 First Princess Yuki Hata-Kita

1992 Cherry Blossom Queen Gail Tanaka

1992 Miss Tomodachi Tina Hamada-Wong

1995 Princess Jamie Shimomura

1997 Cherry Blossom Queen Cindy Sakai

1997 Princess Kristin Higaki

1999 Cherry Blossom Queen Kelly Shintani

2000 Cherry Blossom Queen Amy Schmemehl

2002 Cherry Blossom Queen Stephanie Sato

2005 Cherry Blossom Queen Sarah Sasaki

2006 Cherry Blossom Queen Emily Leach

2007 Miss Tomodachi Sarah Fedaie

The event was organized by Cherry Blossom Alumnae (CBA), a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by former Cherry Blossom Court members. CBA’s mission is to give back to the Japanese American community through volunteerism, education, cultural appreciation, leadership and financial support.

Currently CBA is seeking former court members to join the organization and volunteer in the community.

On Oct. 4, CBA is organizing a conference especially for former court members that will include special guest speakers as well as provide instrumental ways to get involved in the community.

Former court members and those who have contact information for a former court member are asked to e-mail Gail Tanaka at cbalum@gmail.com.

Caption
Pictured from left:
Front row — Sarah Sasaki (2005 Cherry Blossom Queen), Gail Tanaka (1992 queen), Summer (Tanaka’s dog), Sarah Fedaie (2007 Miss Tomodachi), Emily Leach (2006 queen), and Stephanie Sato (2002 queen).
Back row — Amy Schmemehl (2000 queen), Tina Hamada-Wong (1992 Miss Tomodachi), Ashlyn Wong (Hamada-Wong’s daughter), Yuki Hata-Kita (1987 First Princess), Cayla Kita (Hata-Kita’s daughter), Mitchell Kita (Hata-Kita’s son), Cindy Sakai (1997 queen), Jordan Kim (Sakai’s daughter), Connor Kim (Sakai’s son), Kristin Higaki (1997 princess), Kelly Shintani (1999 queen), Reina Shimomura (Jamie Shimomura’s daughter), and Jamie Shimomura (1995 princess).