Monday, March 24, 2014

National Cherry Blossom Festival



The time has come. Though they say it'll snow tomorrow, it's officially Spring! I've been anxiously waiting for Spring time in DC. I've heard marvelous things about the 100 year old cherry blossoms that wrap around the Jefferson Memorial along the Tidal Basin. The 3,000 original cherry blossom trees were a gift from Japan in 1912. The first two trees were planted by First Lady Helen Herron Taft on March 27, 1912. These old trees bring in over a million visitors each year. I am elated to be able to see these beauties in person. Their peak bloom date is between the end of March and the beginning of April. They are only in full bloom for three weeks before they wash away in the rain or blow away in the wind. My family and I attended the cherry blossom kick-off festival on Saturday, at the National Building Museum. It was spectacular! We caught the tail end of the all day event. Next year we'll be sure to go much earlier. Joey and the babies loved the music, dancing, arts, crafts, face-painting, and balloon making. We are now patiently waiting for these cherry blossoms to bloom. 




































2 comments:

  1. I had a blast, except for when that darn girl asked if I was a professor at AU. Never wearing that shirt again - she made me feel a little old!

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  2. How great that you get to enjoy the cherry blossoms for the full 3 weeks that they are in bloom! Oh, I'd kill to visit you during this time. Thanks for the great history background. Festival's are totally my thing, love love love this!

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