Cherry blossoms about ready to bloom; visitors ready to party

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off Saturday, though the celebrated pink and white flowers on the gifted Japanese trees are well into their initial popping stage.

The 16-day celebration, the 95th since the mayor of Tokyo donated 3,000 cherry trees to the District in 1912, features the opening day ceremonies, a fireworks display on April 7, and the National Cherry Blossom parade and Japanese street festival on April 14. More than 700,000 residents and visitors are expected to join the party, the unofficial start of Washington’s tourism season.

D.C. officials expect the festival to generate $150 million in revenue for city coffers.

“It’s nice that a city like Washington, D.C., has a cultural and environment attraction like the Cherry Blossom Festival in addition to museums,” said D.C. resident Noha Gabber, whose overseas friends time their visit to coincide with the festival.

According to the National Park Service, 3,701 of the 3,750 cherry trees in the District can be found in three parks: East Potomac, West Potomac — around the Tidal Basin — and the Washington Monument grounds.

Park Service horticulturists predict a peak bloom sometime next week, between April 3 and 5.

“I was aware the cherry blossoms were iconic of D.C., especially in the springtime,” said Chicago resident Susan Besson, who’s visiting Washington with her son.

National Park Service part-time security officer Mike Oye said 85 percent of the people coming to him with questions ask when the cherry trees will bloom. Oye said people love the blend of colors.

“I’m still wondering why people are so fascinated by this tree,” he said.

The festival is slated to include musical and dance performances, educational symposiums and a grand sushi and sake tasting. For information, visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Examiner intern Paula Vasan contributed to this report.

mneibauer@dcexaminer.com

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