The Dogwood Trail Pageant and Scholarship Program began 49 years ago in Baldwin County, Alabama. Its participation includes six high school girls from Baldwin County, who complete 200 hours of community service and appear in 50 different festivals, charity runs, ceremonies, etc. They have participated in both of Governor Bob Riley’s inaugural parades, and this year the 2008 and 2009 Dogwood Trail Courts will be participating, for the first time, in Washington, DC’s Cherry Blossom Parade during The National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The festival is a two week long festival beginning on Friday, March 28th, and ending on Sunday, April 12th, with the parade occurring on Saturday, April 4th at 10:00 a.m. The festival is held annually and it commemorates the gift of cherry trees from the Mayor of Tokyo, Japan, to the City of Washington, DC in 1912. The festival honors a longtime friendship between the United States and Japan. This year’s Grand Marshal is Alex Trebek, host of TV’s game show “Jeopardy!”

The Dogwood Court and their chaperons will attend a luncheon with Congressman Jo Bonner during their visit. Baldwin County and The State of Alabama are very proud to have these young women represent our State in the Cherry Blossom Parade. Photos will be posted after their return.