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BEAUTY IN BLOOM, CHERRY BLOSSOM STYLE IN D.C.

Top picks for out-of-town activities

Date published: 3/26/2009

By Peggy Carlson

The blooming cherry trees in Washington draw visitors from around the world, but Fredericksburg-area residents can soak in the beauty of the blossoms and enjoy related events by taking a day trip.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival starts Saturday and runs through April 12, with peak bloom time predicted for April 1-4. The festival offers a multitude of activities, exhibits and demonstrations centered around the cherry blossoms and Japanese culture.

Most events are free, but some have entrance fees.

The opening ceremony will be Saturday, 4-5:30 p.m., at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. N.W., with free Family Day events at the museum running 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. There will be martial arts demonstrations, a springtime-inspired ballet performed by the Washington Ballet Youth Troupe, a "Suzuki Strings" concert, demonstrations of furoshiki--the Japanese art of folding with cloth--hands-on family activities, and other performances and events exploring Japanese arts and design.

The Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will be held April 4 at 10 a.m. on Constitution Avenue, from Seventh Street to 17th Street, featuring Grand Marshal Alex Trebek of "Jeopardy." The parade includes entertainment by "American Idol" finalist Kimberley Locke, Disney Radio star Joey Page, the All Star Flag Team D.C., D.C. Roller Derby Skaters, vocalist Brenda Goldsmith and a Broadway program with music from "Chicago" and "Mamma Mia!"

The parade is free and open to the public. Viewers may watch free from along the route, or purchase grandstand seats on Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th streets for $17 from ticketmaster.com.

Here is a smattering of other Cherry Blossom Festival events:

Eleventh annual Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk, March 28, 10 a.m.-noon, at National Japanese American Memorial, D Street and New Jersey Avenue N.W., features a short, non-competitive walk honoring the sacrifices made and injustices suffered by Japanese Americans during World War II. For details visit njamf.com/freedomwalk.

Netsuke: Miniature Art in the Palm of Your Hand, through May 29 at Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan, 1155 21st St., N.W., features miniature figurines that were developed in Japan during the 17th century. For details call 202/238-6949.

National Park Service Cherry Blossom Lantern Walks, March 28-29 and April 1, 4-5, 8, 11-12, at Tidal Basin area near the paddle boats, 1500 Maine Ave. S.W. For details visit nps.gov/cherry.

The 43rd annual Smithsonian Kite Festival, March 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Washington Monument grounds at Constitution Avenue and 17th Street N.W., with kite contests, demonstrations, "green" activities and more. For details visit kitefestival.org.

Annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, April 4, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., on Pennsylvania Avenue from 14th Street, with Japanese arts and crafts, traditional dances, anime, manga and more. For details visit sakuramatsuri.org.

For a complete listing of festival events and parking suggestions, visit nationalcher ryblossomfestival.org or call 877/44BLOOM.

--Peggy Carlson

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Date published: 3/26/2009