One of the longest-running ethnic celebrations in Hawai'i is currently seeking contestant applications for next year's festival.

The Cherry Blossom Festival, an annual celebration of Japanese culture and heritage in Hawai'i organized by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce, will accept contestant applications through Wednesday for its festival queen contest

The festival offers several events, including a Heritage Fair, various contestant appearances on O'ahu, a golf tournament, a fashion show and the main highlighted event, the Cherry Blossom Festival Ball in March.

The Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Contest allows young women to learn about their Japanese-American heritage in Hawai'i.

The reigning Cherry Blossom Queen is Richelle Nakata, a graduate of Punahou School.

In January, the 56th Cherry Blossom Queen contestants will be revealed to the public. In the months leading up to the festival, contestants will take classes in Japanese culture and heritage, hone their public speaking and leadership skills, and participate in community service projects. At the Festival Ball in March, a new queen and court will be crowned.

For one year after being crowned, the Cherry Blossom queen and court are actively involved in community service, and promote and perpetuate Japanese-American culture by participating in cultural events. They travel to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle to participate in sister festivals. And in the fall, they participate in a two-week goodwill tour of Japan.

Applicants must have at least 50 percent Japanese ancestry, be between the ages of 19 and 26, single, a U.S. citizen and Hawai'i resident. A completed registration form, proof of Japanese ancestry through a birth certificate and a $25 application fee is required. Applications are available online at www.cbfhawaii.com.