Washington DC Cherry Blossoms

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. is a spectacular sight to see. If you are looking to experience something different and rare, that you are not likely to see often, join the over 1 million visitors who flock to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC annually. When you are there, you will truly feel like you are getting a unique and amazing experience as you are surrounded by over 3,000 cherry blossoms blooming all at once around you. If you go on a nice weather day, partaking in this event is an extraordinary welcome to spring. The trees are typically in bloom for over two weeks with certain peak days where the blooming flower on the tree is optimal. We're all familiar with the typical saying, "April Showers, May Flowers". Well, while these flowers come at the end of March, and heavy April rain and high winds can prematurely blow the blooms off of the trees. Nevertheless, in a typical year, the flowering trees get quite a bit of blooming time and the visitors that will like to see the sight can plan accordingly. Around the time of the festival, a lot of information is given from news sources to let people know the status of how the trees are blooming.

These photos were taken in 2008 on a day when the cherry blossoms were like fluffy pink clouds.

The blossoms are perfectly situated right near the monuments making for a double tourist attraction.

 The cherry blossom trees were given to the United States as a gift from Japan in 1912 with more accepted in 1965. This year's festival will be held March 28-April 12, 2009. It varies from year to year right around that time. A big centennial celebration is being planned for 2012.

There will be many wonderful events including a kick-off celebration for the two week Cherry Blossom Festival, a Fireworks Show on the Southwest Waterfront, and a Freedom Walk at the National Japanese American Memorial.

Furthermore, there will be a lantern lighting ceremony, a parade complete with floats and marching bands, and film screenings. Many area businesses will join in the festivities and host their own events. Madame Tussauds of Washington, D.C will host a cherry blossom themed party.

Additionally, a credit union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run called "Runner's Rite of Spring" will be hosted for running enthusiasts. Thousands of people gather for this event.

There will also be both daytime and evening cruises along the Potomac River by cruising companies such as Odyssey. For the daytime cruises, you can catch a lovely view of the cherry blossoms from the water. For the night time cruises, you will get a great view of the fireworks.

For further information about how you can plan a trip to see these beautiful trees in Washington, D.C. and also obtain the calendar of the various events mentioned above and more,  as they vary from year to year, you can visit the official website, nationalcherryblossomfestival.org