WASHINGTON – The Maine State Society of Washington, D.C., is seeking candidates for Maine’s Cherry Blossom Princess to represent the state and the society in the 56th annual National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 30 through April 5, 2003.

Neither beauty pageant nor talent competition, the festival is a unique opportunity for a young Maine woman to represent Maine and the society at the event in the nation’s capital. Candidates must be at least 19 years old and not have reached their 25th birthday by April 5, 2003; be a Maine native or have strong Maine connections; be at least a high school graduate and knowledgeable about Maine; never have been married; and must be available for the entire festival week.

The Maine princess will join other young women representing their states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the American Virgin Islands, as well as the princesses of other nations whose festival participation is sponsored by their embassies in Washington. During the festival, the princess will participate in events and activities, including a tour of the White House and the U.S. Capitol, a visit to charities supported by the festival, and the Festival Gala and Ball, where one princess will be selected as the Festival Queen who will travel to Japan to participate in that nation’s Cherry Blossom Festival, an honor shared by four Maine princesses in past years.

Festival information and princess applications may be obtained from the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C., 3434 Upside Court, Falls Church, VA 22042-4019 or by calling (703) 237-1031. Completed applications and required supporting documents must be received by the society no later than Tuesday, Dec. 10.