1999 National Cherry Blossom Festival

The blooming of the cherry trees around the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. has come to symbolize the natural beauty of our nation's capital city. Thousands of city residents and visitors from across the nation and around the world come here to witness the spectacle, hoping that the trees will be at the peak of bloom for the Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington's week-long rite of spring. The 1999 Cherry Blossom Festival is full of attractions for everybody. 

Check out the main events below or click to the left for a complete event listing.  Don't forget to take a look at the history of the festival or information about the festival queen.

Saturday, April 10

Event: National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade sponsored by the Downtown Jaycees. Where: Constitution Ave. from 7th to 17th Street NW When: 9:30 am Cost: Grandstand tickets $12 through Ticketmaster at 202 432-SEAT.

Event: Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) 37th Annual Celebration sponsored by the Japan-America Society of Washington. Cross-cultural performing arts, crafts, Taste of Japan, Japanese storytelling. Where: Freedom Plaza. When: Noon to 5 pm. Cost: Free. Info: 202 833-2210.

Event: NCSS Post Parade Brunch. Meet the 1999 National Cherry Blossom Queen and her Japanese Counterpart. Brunch includes deli treats, salads, breakfast specialties, and more. Where: J.W. Marriott Hotel, 14th St. and Penna. Ave. When Noon. Cost: $35 per person.

Cherry Blossom Festival dates are set based on the average time of blooming, but nature is not always cooperative, and unseasonable icy winds sometimes nip the blossoms and spoil the show.

Questions or comments-drop us an E-mail