Outstanding First Weekend of Festival is Just the Beginning

On Sunday, March 26, 6,000 people joined the Festival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for a star-studded Opening Ceremony presented by Daiichi Sankyo and MetLife. The excitement was palpable as guests enjoyed blossom décor, cherry-blossom-tree-character stilt walkers, and costumed children from The Washington Ballet as they walked in. Both Japanese R&B star MISIA and American singer-songwriter-pianist Sara Bareilles had the crowd clapping along with their energy filled performances. Dignitaries relayed heartfelt messages to the people of the United States and Japan and meaning of this year’s Centennial Celebration.

The ceremony began with Hideki Togi and the Children’s Chorus of Washington performing Japan’s National Anthem, followed by DC-native Denyce Graves-Montgomery singing the US National Anthem. Hideki Togi and Iwao Furusawa played traditional Japanese instruments as aerialists from Cirque-tacular Entertainment descended from the ceiling. The Washington Ballet also performed excerpts from ALICE (In Wonderland), prior to the April world-premiere at The Kennedy Center.

Children of all ages enjoyed Family Days for a full weekend this year at the National Building Museum, participating in hands-on arts and crafts activities, exciting performances, and so much more. The Cherry Blossom Centennial Forever stamp Day-of-Issuance event also took place, and the stamps are now available for purchase at post offices.

The first weekend might be over but there’s still plenty to do through April 27, 2012. Remember to enter your event photos in the National Cherry Blossom Photo Contest with FotoDC and download the free app for Android and iPhone to help plan your trip!