National Conference of State Societies

United States & Territories Celebration Gala and Crowing of 2024 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen

The NCSS United States & Territories Celebration Gala is the signature event of the NCSS Princess Program, which celebrates the 2023 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen and the 2024 U.S. Cherry Blossom Princesses and crowns the 2024 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen.

Join us in celebrating this monumental event at the Capital Hilton starting at 6:30 PM, with music, dancing, and exciting food stations, including fresh sushi prepared by the Sushi Chefs of Washington DC. The exciting program includes the introduction of the 2024 Cherry Blossom Princesses and the official coronation of the new U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen with the the priceless MIKIMOTO Ceremonial Pearl Crown.

With a fateful spin of the Wheel of Fortune, one Cherry Blossom Princess
will be selected as the new 2024 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen for the 76th anniversary year of the Cherry Blossom Princess Program. The new Queen will be crowned with the Ceremonial MIKIMOTO Cherry Blossom crown, a priceless Japanese work of art, gifted to the United States in 1957. The new U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen is gifted a smaller keepsake MIKIMOTO crown and an exquisite MIKIMOTO pearl necklace, to wear throughout her reign. As the new U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen, she will serve as a cultural ambassador for the United States, with the opportunity to travel to Japan to engage with top government, business, and cultural leaders.

YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants, vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

Explore the Festival's Roots

Travel to Japan is open once again, and we invite you experience and explore Japan firsthand. Learn more about the Festival partners who would love to help you plan your trip!