Washington's famed cherry blossoms expected to peak during festival

WASHINGTON -- Most of the cherry trees circling the Tidal Basin should be in peak bloom when the National Cherry Blossom Festival begins later this month, according to the National Park Service.

The park service's chief horticulturist, Rob DeFeo, said that most of the 3,700 trees will be bursting with pink and white blossoms from March 27 through April 3. The entire blooming period lasts for several weeks.

More than 1 million people are expected to attend the two-week festival, which begins March 29, organizers said. Highlights include a kite festival, fireworks and a 10-mile run. A parade will be held April 12 featuring giant balloons, floats, marching bands and a performance by Miss America Kirsten Haglund.

"It's a great way to showcase the beauty of our city," District of Columbia Council member Tommy Wells said of the annual festival. "It's a great thing for tourism, which is very important to our city."

To help ease congestion around the Tidal Basin, the park service is offering satellite parking at Hains Point. Visitors will be able to park at free lots on the peninsula and take shuttle buses to the Jefferson Memorial.

Most of the trees lining the Tidal Basin are descendants of those presented to the United States by Japan in 1912 to mark 60 years of friendly relations. The blossoms are greeted by the Japanese each year as a symbol of spring, as well as the fleeting nature of life.

Details at http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.