Monday, March 10, 2008

Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Festival


Cherry blossoms are about to redecorate Washington, D.C. in pink and white.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is the annual rite of spring in the nation's Capital, and it also celebrates the gift of hundreds of cherry trees from Japan to the United States, representing the friendship between the two nations.

The world-famous trees were a gift from Japan in 1912, and 2008 is the 96th year of the festival. The festival runs for two weeks starting March 29th, with daily events including concerts, arts and crafts, demonstrations of origami, and more.

This year, opening ceremonies include an appearance by Miss Universe 2007, Riyo Mori, originally of Shizouka, Japan.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival organizers have a live webcam to track the blooms, which are tracked by a horticulturalist with the National Park Service.

The webcam is a cool way to travel green.

Washington, DC hotels have special packages for the festival, and the city's restaurants have added special cherry-infused menu items. Check the Washington, DC Visitors Bureau for the cheery cherry details.