CHERRY BLOSSOMS!!!!

i just saw this and instantly got bitter because i have to be in africa for the peak. i hope they are wrong and it happens a week early.

anyway, i think friends and my mom should come visit me when dc is so awesome! mom!

Special Thanks to 2008 Press Conference supporter It's Predicted! 2008 Press Conference Capped with Peak Bloom Announcement Rob DeFeo, Chief Horticulturist for the National Park Service, announces his prediction for the peak bloom dates of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin to be March 27 through April 3, 2008. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, (NCBF) in conjunction with DC Government and the National Park Service, (NPS) gathered today, March 6, 2008, to announce the 2008 Festival's events, preparations, and address the much-anticipated peak blooming period at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. After welcoming remarks and a Festival overview by Diana Mayhew, NCBF President, the following speakers made remarks: Mayor Adrian M. Fenty of the District of Columbia discussed the economic importance of the Festival to all D.C. neighborhoods Tommy Wells, Councilmember, District of Columbia Ward 6, addressed attendees; Steve Moore, NCBF Board Chair, introduced Festival Partners and the Goodwill Ambassadors; Minister Mitsuru Kitano, Japanese Embassy's Minister for Public Affairs, discussed the Embassy's growing role in the Festival; Ambassador John Malott, President & CEO, Japan-America Society of Washington, DC discussed the 47th Annual Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival; and, Rob DeFeo, Chief Horticulturalist of the National Park Service, announced this year's blooming prediction to be March 27 through April 3, 2008. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week, citywide event celebrating spring. The 2008 Festival is March 29 - April 13, and will feature daily cultural performances, sporting events, arts & crafts, demonstrations and other special events. The National Cherry Blossom 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. To view/download all press releases relevant to this year's Festival and participating organization, please visit the Press Release section of the NCBF website.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. (NCBF) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) umbrella organization of business leaders, civic groups and government officials. It coordinates the events of the annual two-week long Festival, which celebrates the 1912 gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan.