WASHINGTON, March 13, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week, citywide event celebrating spring. The Festival celebrates the 96th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan. Join us for more than 90 events, exhibits, and nearly 200 cultural performances!
SPRING INTO THE FESTIVAL WITH ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS:
Family time. On Saturday, March 29, 10am - 3:30pm, Family Day sponsored by Target is held at the National Building Museum; 401 F St, NW. In between the many hands-on activities for the kids, Robert Lang constructs a large-scale giraffe completely out of origami. The Opening Ceremony begins at 4pm with welcoming remarks and an appearance by Miss Universe Riyo Mori, originally of Shizuoka, Japan. The special opening performance is a collaboration between Tateshina High School's all-female jazz club from Japan and the Howard University Jazz Ensemble. Free.
Get cultured. The Target Tidal Basin Stage presents Cultural Performances at noon daily at the Jefferson Memorial. From martial arts to marching bands, performers come from near and far to entertain visitors. Free.
Go fly a kite. The 42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival on Saturday, March 29, 10am - 4pm features the ever popular hand-made kite competition and interactive activities. Returning this year is the Smithsonian Hot Tricks Showdown, where master kite flyers dazzle the crowd with trick kite moves. Free.
Light up the sky. On Saturday, April 5, DC's Southwest Waterfront offers music, food and fun at the annual Prelude to the Fireworks beginning at 5pm. The brilliant fireworks display begins at 8:30pm. Free.
Floats galore. Southwest Airlines Presents the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 12 at 10am. Watch marching bands, giant balloons, and performers burst down Constitution Avenue NW. Grandstand tickets provide the best view, and also earn free admission to Madame Tussauds DC wax museum! ($15, available through Ticketmaster). Mark Indelicato from prime time's Ugly Betty; Miss America Kirsten Haglund; Keke Palmer from Akeelah and the Bee, and Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge all sing their hearts out. Look for Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Grover, and Elmo from Sesame Place making their Parade debut. Standing along the Parade route is Free.
Hit the Streets. The 48h Annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is Saturday, April 12, 11am - 6pm, at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. The festival transforms the area into a pulsing Japanese-style fairground. This year brings a sumo wrestling demonstration, the Ginza Marketplace, and J-Pop Land, focused on modern Japanese culture. Free.
Taste and Dine. The Grand Sushi & Sake Tasting showcases sushi and sake samples on April 2, from 6- 9pm ($95, 202/661-7585). Trevor Corson kicks the night off with an anecdotal lecture based on his acclaimed book, The Zen of Fish. Throughout the Festival, more than 60 area restaurants feature "Cherry Picks," delectable cherry-inspired dishes or drinks on their menus.
Explore on a Tour. Several tours are offered during the two-week Festival including the Blossoms Secrets Stroll; the Cherry Blossom Photo Safari; and Blossoms by Bike. Keep a camera handy because two lucky winners of the 2nd annual Festival photography contest will win roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines. Enter to win at www.lulu.com/blossoms.
Get active. The brand new "Cherry Chit-Chat Run" offered by the National Park Service is a 3.5 mile run with a Ranger, including breaks at historical destinations. Watch or participate in the Cherry Blossom Ten-Mile Run, Regatta on the Potomac, Golf, and Soccer Tournaments. Exercise on the way to events by taking advantage of a free bicycle valet! www.waba.org
On the Water. Cruise the Potomac while enjoying larger-than-life views and raising money for Festival events on the Odyssey cruise ship on April 9 at 6pm ($125, 202/661-7585). Enjoy Cherry Blossom River Teas and the blossoms aboard Capital Yacht Charters ($60). Finally, take part in the centuries-old "Blessing of the Fleets" ceremony at the Navy Memorial on April 12 at 1pm.
Hotline: (877) 44BLOOM
www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
The logo for the National Cherry Blossom Festival can be found at http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=811