National Cherry Blossom Festival http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org The Nation's Greatest Springtime Celebration Fri, 17 May 2013 14:14:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 150 Cherry Trees will be Planted in Oxon Run Park http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/05/09/150-cherry-trees-will-be-planted-in-oxon-run-park/ http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/05/09/150-cherry-trees-will-be-planted-in-oxon-run-park/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 15:21:53 +0000 admin http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/?p=11951 The National Cherry Blossom Festival, with Casey Trees, local government leaders, community members, and supporters, will plant 150 cherry trees in Oxon Run Park (Valley Avenue at Wheeler Road, SE) on Saturday, May 11 beginning at 9:00am. The cherry trees will be added to the grove of 50 planted there in 2012. Of the 150, 75 are legacy trees, grown from cuttings taken from the second generation of cherry trees that line the Tidal Basin.  Macy’s Metro Center also donated 50 of the trees that will be planted following its cherry blossom flower show featuring the live trees in Macy’s downtown.

After the tree planting, Councilman Marion Barry will join local government and community leaders to kick off afternoon festivities, including a community picnic and live entertainment from The Anacostia Senior High School Marching Tribe.

The Oxon Run Tree planting and celebration is supported by Walmart, the Sally Foss and James Scott Hill Foundation, Oxon Run Community Alliance, DC Department of Parks and Recreation, and Ward 8 Parks Committee.

]]> http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/05/09/150-cherry-trees-will-be-planted-in-oxon-run-park/feed/ 0 National Travel Week – Make Summer Plans in DC http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/05/07/national-travel-week-make-summer-plans-in-dc/ http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/05/07/national-travel-week-make-summer-plans-in-dc/#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 18:45:38 +0000 admin http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/?p=11944 It’s National Travel Week – the perfect time to plan a summer vacation in Washington, DC. Destination DC has everything you need to plan your getaway, from 100 free activities in the nation’s capital to outstanding deals on hotels starting at just $99/night. Book your trip today!

]]> http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/05/07/national-travel-week-make-summer-plans-in-dc/feed/ 0 99 Restaurants Joined Cherry Picks in 2013 http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/05/01/99-restaurants-joined-cherry-picks-in-2013/ http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/05/01/99-restaurants-joined-cherry-picks-in-2013/#comments Wed, 01 May 2013 19:18:00 +0000 admin http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/?p=11935 Thank you to area restaurants and the creativity of our chefs for creating delicious cherry, spring, and Festival-inspired dishes during this year’s successful Cherry Picks Program! The Festival partners with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, with presenting sponsor PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express® Card, the official credit card of the 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival. The full list of participating restaurants in 2013 is online.

Use PenFed’s award-winning card to receive points on airfare, dining and all other purchases. Terms and conditions apply. Visit PenFed.org for more information. This Credit Card program is issued and administered by PenFed. American Express® is a federally registered service mark of American Express and is used by PenFed pursuant to a license.

]]> http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/05/01/99-restaurants-joined-cherry-picks-in-2013/feed/ 0 Enjoy Petal Pass savings through April 30 http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/16/enjoy-petal-pass-savings-through-april-30/ http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/16/enjoy-petal-pass-savings-through-april-30/#comments Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:40:58 +0000 admin http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/?p=11919 Springtime savings continue at hundreds of participating locations with the Petal Pass Program, presented by Capital One Bank. Present the Pass for savings at local attractions, restaurants, retailers, fitness centers, museums and more throughout the Washington, DC area. Click here for a complete list of Petal Pass offers, including:

  • ESCADA Cherry in the Air – at participating Kohl’s stores, receive a complimentary sample of fragrance while supplies last. (no purchase required)
  • Hair Cuttery – $3 off any service of $25 or more
  • Macy’s Metro Center – 10% visitor savings pass
  • Newseum – 10% off general admission (restrictions may apply)
  • Phillips Flagship Restaurant – $10 off purchase of $50
  • Pinkberry – Buy one small frozen yogurt and get one Greek yogurt free
  • SUBWAY® – Free 21 oz. fountain drink with the purchase of any footlong sub, offer good at participating SUBWAY® Restaurants in the greater Washington DC metro area only
  • T.G.I. Friday’s – Free appetizer, an $8 value
  • Walgreens – Free 8X10 photo ($3.99 value) with purchase of $4.99 or more of in-store photo processing at 19 metro area locations

 

]]> http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/16/enjoy-petal-pass-savings-through-april-30/feed/ 0 Spring in DC continues with Cultural Tourism’s Passport DC http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/15/spring-in-dc-continues-with-cultural-tourism%e2%80%99s-passport-dc/ http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/15/spring-in-dc-continues-with-cultural-tourism%e2%80%99s-passport-dc/#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:30:02 +0000 admin http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/?p=11912 Your global journey awaits! Taste the food, hear the music, practice the dances, and explore foreign lands as you visit DC’s many beautiful embassies. May is International Cultural Awareness Month, and Passport DC celebrates with more than 100 international events and activities. More than 70 embassies open their doors to the public, and international cultural activities include street festivals, performances and exhibitions. Now in its sixth year, Passport DC highlights the international community that is a vital part of DC culture with month-long international programming by cultural institutions throughout the District. Signature Events include:

All Passport DC signature events are free and no reservations are required. Additional information is available at PassportDC.org/signature-events/.

]]> http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/15/spring-in-dc-continues-with-cultural-tourism%e2%80%99s-passport-dc/feed/ 0 2011 & 2012 Cherry Blossom Photo Contest Winners & Honorable Mentions http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/09/2011-2012-cherry-blossom-photo-contest-winners-honorable-mentions/ http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/09/2011-2012-cherry-blossom-photo-contest-winners-honorable-mentions/#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:03:25 +0000 admin http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/?p=11868 Time: 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday
Location: Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan – 1150 18th Street NW, #100 (Map)
Cost: FREE

Be sure not to miss this special photo exhibit that showcases how Washington, DC celebrates the beautiful sakura, or cherry trees, that awash the Tidal Basin and Mall with pink petals every spring. All photographs are either winners or honorable mentions of the 2011 and 2012 Cherry Blossom Photo Contest.

No tickets or reservations are needed to view the exhibit. Entry is free of charge.

Getting There

Bus: N2 or D2. Use the Trip Planner.

Contact Information

Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan
P: 202.238.6900
E: jicc@ws.mofa.go.jp
www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JICC/

]]> http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/09/2011-2012-cherry-blossom-photo-contest-winners-honorable-mentions/feed/ 0 Meet 2013 Official Artist Erik Abel http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/08/meet-2013-official-artist-erik-abel/ http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/08/meet-2013-official-artist-erik-abel/#comments Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:45:53 +0000 admin http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/?p=11831 Artist Erik Abel will be signing his 2013 artwork created for the National Cherry Blossom Festival at Art Whino Gallery on Saturday, April 13 from 8 – 9 PM. His bold, original work depicts a prominent cherry tree overlooking the Tidal Basin, with the Jefferson Memorial and blooming trees in the background.

Abel is part of the three person “Branching Out” exhibit at Art Whino, also featuring Graham Franciose & Ursula Xanthe Young. The artwork on display depicts the changing season to spring. Erik Abel’s graphic approach, Graham Franciose’s painterly illustrative style, and Ursula Xanthe Young’s surrealist perspective, will blend in subject matter and will contrast in treatment, bringing forth the individuality of each artist’s work and the beauty of nature in spring.

Art Whino Gallery is located at 120 American Way, National Harbor, MD 20745.  Abel’s artwork is also available on a variety of Festival merchandise.

]]> http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/08/meet-2013-official-artist-erik-abel/feed/ 0 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade this Saturday! http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/08/national-cherry-blossom-festival-parade-this-saturday/ http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/08/national-cherry-blossom-festival-parade-this-saturday/#comments Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:53:04 +0000 admin http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/?p=11823 The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® is Saturday, April 13, from 10:00am to noon, rain or shine. One of DC’s largest spectator events, the energy-filled Parade runs along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets, NW. Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, and performers burst down Constitution Avenue. Parade hosts are Andrea Roane and Mike Hydeck from WUSA 9. Loo Katz from WASH-FM is the street announcer for the second performance area near the Parade’s finish. Justin Guarini makes a return appearance to the Parade as the street correspondent. Following, WUSA 9 will air the Parade locally in a delayed telecast from Noon to 2:00pm. Enjoy talent including:

  • Grammy award-winning artist Mýa
  • Disney’s Coco Jones
  • Elliott Yamin from American Idol 
  • Washington Redskins 2012 Walter Payton Man of the Year, Joshua Morgan, serves as Grand Marshal
  • Mallory Hagan, Miss America 2013
  • University of Maryland’s GYMKANA from America’s Got Talent

TICKETS & TRANSPORTATION: Free and open to the public.  Prime grandstand seats, located on Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th streets, can be purchased for $20.00 through Ticketmaster or calling 800-745-3000. Groups of 10 or more can submit an online form for reservations.  Radio personality and local favorite Loo from WASH-FM host from a second performance area, located near the Parade’s finish. The Parade is Metro-accessible via the Navy Memorial on the Yellow/Green lines or Federal Triangle on the Blue/Orange lines.

 

The Parade is supported by Events DC and Capital One Bank®. Media partners are WUSA 9 and WASH-FM. Supporting sponsors include Safeway, Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., The Washington Examiner, Washington Regional Transplant Community, Amtrak, Carmine’s, and McDonald’s. Flowers on floats are provided by Johnson’s Florist and Garden Centers.

]]> http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/08/national-cherry-blossom-festival-parade-this-saturday/feed/ 0 Vote for Overall Winner of Youth Art Contest http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/08/vote-for-overall-winner-of-youth-art-contest/ http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/08/vote-for-overall-winner-of-youth-art-contest/#comments Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:28:36 +0000 admin http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/?p=11814 See the importance of protecting and caring for the cherry trees through the eyes of students! Union Station houses a beautiful gallery of art from youth attending DC public and charter schools. Over 500 entries from the Youth Art Contest are displayed through April 14, including the top entries in each grade category.

This year, the public chooses the overall winner by casting a vote at Union Station (50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC) or online via The Washington Examiner.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is proud to partner with the DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative to coordinate the 2013 Youth Art Contest presented by Earth Month and hosted at Union Station. Additional support comes from media partners El Zol 107.9 and WPGC 95.5.

]]> http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/08/vote-for-overall-winner-of-youth-art-contest/feed/ 0 Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival tomorrow! http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/05/southwest-waterfront-fireworks-festival-tomorrow/ http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/05/southwest-waterfront-fireworks-festival-tomorrow/#comments Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:13:21 +0000 admin http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/?p=11801 Make your plans to spend the day at the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival with eight hours of activities and entertainment before the Fireworks Show lights up the Washington Channel.  Click here for the full schedule of entertainment.  Explore and enjoy:

  • Three stages of live music
  • Very Cherry Marketplace with fine art and crafts
  • Food Truck Rally presented by Safeway
  • Cherry Blossom Beach with games and activities
  • Waterfront Beer Garden
  • Pink Palooza from vessels along the seawall
  • Face Painting
  • Strolling Costumed Characters
  • Model Boat Making and Launch
  • Japanese-inspired Balloon Art
  • Japanese Koinobori (windsock) making
  • Japanese Lantern crafting
  • Origami

The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival is produced by the National Cherry Blossom Festival in partnership with the Washington Waterfront Association and Hoffman|Madison Waterfront. The event is presented by Safeway and The Washington Examiner, and is supported by Navy Federal Credit Union, Phillips Flagship Restaurant, Entertainment Cruises and Pepsi-Cola. Media partners are BIG 100.3 and HOT 99.5.

]]> http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2013/04/05/southwest-waterfront-fireworks-festival-tomorrow/feed/ 0