The cherry blossoms date back to a 1912 gift of 3,000 trees from the mayor of Tokyo, and the Japanese government remains involved in their care and in the annual festival celebrations; this year, there will be a Japanese Street Festival on April 12 and 13.
Organizers have planned a host of events, including the annual kite festival March 29, the Petalpalooza celebration with music and fireworks on April 5, and the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 12.
This year, the peak bloom for the iconic pinkish white flowers is predicted to come between March 28 and 31, according to the National Park Service, which cares for the city’s 3,500 trees.
Festival President Diana Mayhew said last year's numbers exceeded pre-pandemic peaks for the first time — with about 1.6 million visitors and more than $200 million in revenue for city businesses.
Fumito Miyake, minister for public affairs at the Japanese embassy, said his government's decision to contribute an additional 250 trees would be a “birthday present” in advance of next summer’s celebration for the 250th anniversary of American independence.
