It’s that time of year again… time to get lost among the cherry blossoms in President Barack Obama’s backyard.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. kicks off in just a couple of weeks and this year organizers are predicting record crowds.
Each spring millions of tourists from around the world flock to D.C. to witness the explosion of pale pink blossoms. The flowers, which were originally a gift from Japan in 1912 to symbolize its friendship with the United States, flank the city’s Tidal Basin near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
Festival organizers say the cherry blossoms should reach peak bloom April 3 through April 9. However, the two-week festival, which features art exhibits and other kid-friendly educational events, runs from March 28 through April 12. In addition to walking through the perfectly pruned buds and blossoms, you can also take in the sights from a rented bicycle or paddleboat.
If you plan to make the trip to the festival, don’t miss the parade that goes with it. Tens of thousands of district residents and visitors alike line the streets of downtown D.C. for the annual display of goodwill and great music. This year’s parade gets underway at 10 a.m. on April 4th and features performances by “American Idol” finalist Kimberley Locke and the cast of Broadway’s “Chicago.” The Japanese Street Festival follows the parade and features everything from sushi to sumo wrestling.
Another fabulous family-friendly event that takes place each spring in D.C. is the annual Smithsonian Kite Festival. The big event takes over the National Mall near the Washington Monument on March 28th this year. The colorful celebration paints the sky and is visible for miles. Bring a blanket and a picnic and you can spend the entire day gazing upwards.
Have you ever been to the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
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