National Cherry Blossom Festival - official website - Washington, D.C.

A day after the worst snowstorm of the season covered the DC-area in white, Festival representatives, participating organizations, business leaders, civic groups, and government officials gathered at the Newseum to announce the 2009 Festival's events and preparations. Rob DeFeo, Chief Horticulturalist for the National Park Service, concluded the event with his prediction for the peak bloom dates of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin: April 3 through April 9, 2009.

The press conference began with welcoming remarks by Joe Urschel, Executive Director of the Newseum. Mr. Urschel was accompanied at the podium with members of The Washington School of Ballet, whose appearance was a prelude to the upcoming participation of the The Washington Ballet in the 2009 Opening Ceremony.

Following an overview of what DC residents and visitors can look forward to at this year's Festival by president Diana Mayhew, the following speakers made remarks:

• Stephanie Scott, Secretary of the District of Columbia discussed the economic importance of the Festival to all D.C. neighborhoods
• Susan E.S. Norton, NCBF Board Chair, introduced Festival Partners and the Goodwill Ambassadors;
• Minister Hideo Fukushima, Japanese Embassy's Minister for Public Affairs, discussed the Embassy's growing role in the Festival;
• Ambassador John Malott, President & CEO, Japan-America Society of Washington, DC discussed the 48th Annual Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival;
• Lance Hatten, Chief of Interpretation and Education, National Mall Memorial Parks, National Park Service, discussed the care and stewardship of the cherry trees and,
• Rob DeFeo, Chief Horticulturalist of the National Park Service, announced this year's peak bloom period prediction to be April 3 through April 9, 2009; with the reminder that the blooming period of the trees begins many days before and can last as long as up to 14 days.