Politics & Government
Viewfinder: The National Cherry Blossom Festival
Are you willing to brave the masses to peek at the Cherry Blossom trees this year? If not, you can peruse these Patch photos from the comfort of your own computer.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is officially in full swing through April 10. The blossoms are scheduled to "peak" this week from March 29 through April 1.
Parking will be limited during the peak flowering period. Driving directions, biking and walking directions and Metro directions are available online. From Georgetown, Metro from Foggy Bottom/GW metro to Smithsonian and walk along the mall to the tidal basin. Alternatively, try the 32 or 36 bus from Georgetown to Pennsylvania Avenue at 14th Street, NW, just a short walk down 14th to the National Mall.
According to the festival's website, "Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries."
Find out what's happening in Georgetownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The festival has assumed special meaning this year in light of the recent earthquake and tsunami that has claimed tens of thousands of Japanese lives.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival and the American Red Cross are accepting donations through their website.
Find out what's happening in Georgetownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
