Celebrate Spring at Sakura Matsuri and Discover Healthier Food Choices
Say hello to spring!
The first brave daffodils popped up this month, giving us hope that spring is here.
Well, almost.
Technically, spring begins with the vernal equinox — when day and night share equal time. This year, that moment happens at 3:01 a.m. on Thursday, March 20th.
After the snow, ice, and frigid February temps, it’s safe to say we’re all ready for spring’s arrival. According to the 2025 Farmer’s Almanac, we’re in for a warmer-than-usual season — a sweet reward after winter’s grip.
Speaking of sweet, you’ll want to mark your calendars for something special happening later this month in Scott, Arkansas!
Celebrate Spring at the 2nd Annual Sakura Matsuri
When: Saturday, March 22nd, 10AM - 3PM
Where: The Plantation Agriculture Museum
What: The Spring Sakura Matsuri festival celebrates spring and Japanese culture with traditional crafts, games, and performances.
Enjoy hands-on activities like:
Kendama (a classic Japanese ball-and-cup game)
Goldfish Scooping (fun for kids and adults alike!)
Origami, Oni Mask Painting, and Japanese Fan Decorating
Daruma Doll Games, Sky Tops, and Wooden Stilts
Thanks to the incredible work of Mariko Cobb, Arkansas Tech Asian Studies Programs, ATU Japanese Student Association, and England High School EAST Lab, this event will be full of color, culture, and connection.
The Teahorse will also host hourly Ceremonial Tea Demonstrations and display beautiful kimonos!
Plus, there will be exciting performances like:
Japanese Taiko Drumming by Central Arkansas Taiko
Martial Arts Demonstrations by Aikido Little Rock
And of course — food!
A Taste of Arkansas: Whole Soy Foods
Keith and Leigh Ann from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture-Cooperative Extension Service will also be at the festival sharing something delicious — whole soy foods!
Arkansas’ largest crop is soybean, and they’ll be offering samples and inspiration for incorporating this local, nutritious ingredient into everyday meals.
Why soy?
Soy is affordable, PACKED with protein, and can easily be used in your favorite dishes to make them healthier. These simple swaps don’t just boost nutrition—they also cut unnecessary calories and saturated fat and add heart healthy fiber.
Take sour cream, for example.
Did you know you can make a creamy, dairy-free alternative using inexpensive tofu?
The nutritional comparison speaks for itself! Which is which?
Nutrition Facts: Soy Sour Cream on the left. Dairy Sour Cream on the right.
The Power of Food: Bringing Us Together!
Since it's also National Nutrition Month, it’s a good time to think about the role food plays in our lives.
Food connects us. It’s how we celebrate, nurture, and care for one another. It has the power to improve our health — or harm it.
Over the last few years, I’ve had the privilege of talking with folks across the Mid-South about their changing relationship with food. More and more people are looking at their plates differently — choosing whole, minimally processed foods and making small swaps for better health.
It’s encouraging to see that the powerful reach of food marketing is slowly being replaced by informed, personal choices.
And hey — if that choice starts with soy sour cream, why not?
Just like spring, change doesn’t happen overnight.
Leigh Ann and Keith will be glad to help you get started.
If you are in Arkansas on March 22nd, be sure to drop by the Sakura Matsuri! 🌸
~Karen