National Cherry Blossom Festival opens with family weekend
Blooming cherry blossoms framing the Jefferson Memorial, on the Tidal Basin in Washington are shown in this March 19, 2012 file photo. The bloom season is one of a number around the country this spring celebrating flowers in season.
WASHINGTON » The National Cherry Blossom Festival is opening with a weekend of family activities at the National Building Museum.
The free family days event opens today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum will offer crafts and activities focused on architecture, the cherry trees and Japanese arts.
An opening ceremony for the National Cherry Blossom Festival is planned for today at 5 p.m. at the Warner Theatre. The festival runs for five weeks through April 27.
The National Park Services says it expects the trees will be in full bloom between April 3 and April 6. Officials say the cold weather slowed the blossoms’ growth.
The cherry blossoms draw about 1 million visitors each spring. This year marks the 101st anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan.
