History:
The original 3,000 cherry blossom trees came to the people of Washington, DC back in 1912 as a gift from the city of Tokyo. The National Cherry Blossom Festival has been celebrated every year since. This year marks the 93rd celebration.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival began this year on March 26 and it will continue until April 10. Peak blooming period has been predicted to be between April 4 - 9.
Event Highlights This Weekend:
This evening between 5:00 - 8:30 there will be a Musical Prelude and Fireworks along Washington's Southwest Waterfront (nearby the Jefferson Memorial). I wish I could go, but since I have an inordinate amount of homework assigned for this weekend I will likely end up watching the display from our livingroom windows.
Sunday afternoon between 2:30 - 4:30 the Lantern Lighting Ceremony is being held on the North bank of the Tidal Basin. It is interesting to note that the lantern that will be lit is 350 years old. Unfortunately, I'll probably have to forego attending this event, as well.
However, I have made some tentative plans for next weekend to go and see the blooms with a few friends. I hope I can hold out until then.
-- CrystalShiloh @ 10:00 AM