Clark College’s 2012 Sakura Festival will honor a historic gift of friendship and beauty as the college hosts the dedication ceremony for the Royce E. Pollard Japanese Friendship Garden. The dedication ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 19, at 1 p.m. at the garden, which is located next to the music building on Clark’s main campus.

Dignitaries who are scheduled to attend include former Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard, former Vancouver Mayor Bruce Hagensen, Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt, Takamichi Okabe, Consul General of Japan (Portland); and Tatsuo Ito, executive vice president, SEH America Inc. The ceremony will include a koto performance by Yukiko Vossen and a performance by the Clark College Women’s Ensemble. From 2 to 4 p.m., the celebration will continue in the Gaiser Student Center, where guests will enjoy a formal tea ceremony and calligraphy demonstration. Information about the Sakura Ceremony is available at www.clark.edu/cc/sakura. All events are free and open to the public.

Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps. Individuals who need accommodation due to a disability should call 360-992-2314 or 360-991-0901 (VP).