And I could not be more ready. There are many other folks who share that feeling; some of them gathered last week for the National Cherry Blossom Festival press conference. There were two pieces of news to report: it’s happening in person this year! And, the estimated time of peak bloom has been determined.
High atop a building with a perfect view of the Tidal Basin, a blast of pink greeted members of the press and many folks excited to be involved with the festivities. From the Mayor to the National Park Service Superintendent of the National Mall, they were all tickled, um, you know.
This year marks the 110th anniversary of the first cherry tree gift from Japan. The Festival has not been running for quite that long, but it has grown from simple tree-planting ceremonies to this year’s four-week-long celebration, which has spilled over from the Mall to several neighborhoods. In addition to the Opening Ceremony; the Kite Festival; the Cherry Blossom Parade and Sakura Matsuri; the Petalpalooza music festival; and the Pink Tie Party (all downtown), some pandemic-driven innovations have been retained, most notably the Petal Porches. Residents are encouraged to decorate their porches and register to compete for prizes. Best Blossom Block, anyone?
Sponsors have also been corralled. Some are participating with product introductions, one of which was proudly on display at the press event: La Croix Cherry Blossom sparkling water. It has a lovely floral aroma and a light taste, with no cough syrup overtones at all. The water itself is not pink, although the can sustains the optics of the theme.
I met Barbara Ehrlich, a Cherry Blossom board member, whose association with the Festival began years ago, “when it was all-volunteer.” She has the collection of yearly pins to prove it.
Also present: Lea Craigie, the artist who designed this year’s theme. We bonded over a love of cats and craftwork.
Each of the honored guests gave a short speech, and then it was time for the Big Reveal. Superintendent Reinbold and the juggler executed a little routine designed to draw out the suspense, and then the beans were spilled: Peak Bloom Time will be March 22-25 this year – at least as far as we can tell on March 1.
After that, all the speakers lined up for a group picture. Here it is.
In order, left to right: Jeffrey Reinbold, National Park Service; Brooke Pinto, Ward 2 DC Councilmember; Diana Mayhew, President, National Cherry Blossom Festival; Lea Craigie, Artist; Muriel Bowser, Mayor; Chinyere Hubbard, Events DC; and Ryo Kuroishi, Embassy of Japan.
