National Cherry Blossom Festival Celebrates 100th Anniversary

The Festival commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC with five weeks of events and programs, primarily free and open to the public. The Festival's reach extends beyond the blooms and unites the metro-DC area to offer prestigious and innovative arts and culture, world-class entertainment, environmental initiatives, and more
community spirit than ever before.

Events and programs: From elevated signature events to new initiatives, the Centennial Celebration is a once-in-a-lifetime
experience. The City in Bloom campaign, presented by Capital One Bank, visually energizes an unites the region by bringing the spirit of the Festival to iconic buildings, businesses, organizations, and individuals who show their spirit with pink and blossom lighting, blossom decals, colorful banners, and more. The new Petal Pass, also presented by Capital One Bank, offers special discounts and exclusive deals for holders. A Centennial keepsake, it features the Official Artwork by world-renowned artist Peter Max and is complimentary at 240 Capital One Bank branches throughout the region. Through the Festival's Cherry Picks Restaurant Program, nearly 100 restaurants offer
delicious cherry-, blossom-, and spring-inspired dishes and cocktails to their menus; and the Hotel Program offers
Festival-inspired guest packages for visitors.

The Festival opens with the signature Pink Tie Party fundraiser, presented by Lincoln, on Tuesday, March 20, hosted
by renowned chefs José Andrés and Roy Yamaguchi. The Opening Ceremony on Sunday, March 25 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, presented by Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. and MetLife, features world-class performances that tell the story of how the gift of trees became the nation's greatest springtime celebration. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required online. The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® on Saturday, April 14, is aired live and nationally syndicated for the first time. Co-hosted by ABC's Katie Couric and ABC7's Alison Starling and Leon Harris with special correspondent Alex Trebek, the Parade marches down Constitution Avenue with a bevy of exciting performances, lavish floats, giant helium balloons, dance troupes, and more.

Additional signature events that help comprise the 2012 calendar include Family Days presented with the National
Building Museum, and sponsored by Safeway on Saturday and Sunday, March 24-25; the Blossom Kite Festival on Saturday, March 31; the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival on Saturday, April 7, presented by Safeway and The Washington Examiner; and the Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival produced by The Japan-America Society of Washington DC on Saturday, April 14. Free cultural performances take place at the Canon Performance Stage at Sylvan Theater on the Washington Monument grounds from March 31-April 15, and Jazz at the Jefferson debuts at the Jefferson Memorial from April 19-22. The Festival ends with the PetalFest & Closing Block Party on Woodrow Wilson Plaza, April 27.

Rare and esteemed art and culture is at the forefront of offerings. The Festival and DC Commission on the Arts and
Humanities present the 5x5 Public Art Project, featuring 25 cutting-edge temporary art works to enliven public spaces.
The National Gallery of Art exhibits Colorful Realm of Living Beings, a 30-scroll set of paintings never before seen in its
entirety outside Japan. The Smithsonian's Arthur M. Sackler Gallery exhibits Masters of Mercy: Buddha's Amazing Disciples and Hokusai: 36 Views of Mount Fuji. National Geographic Museum's Samurai: The Warrior Transformed focuses on the Samurai's influence on Japanese history and culture. Overtures: S&R Foundation Artist Concert Series presents award-winning, world-class Japanese artists performing at The Kennedy Center.

Commemorative Initiatives: An important milestone in both Japan and the United States, the government of Japan had designated the Centennial an official anniversary event. Both countries have created a commemorative stamp, and the United States Postal Service Cherry Blossom Centennial Forever stamps will be issued during Family Days at the National Building Museum on Saturday, March 24. Peter Max is the Official Artist of 2012, and his original iconic design will be sold as a commemorative poster and on other limited merchandise. Cherry Blossoms: The Official Book of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, is a beautiful depiction of the Festival over the years. Published in partnership with National Geographic Society, it is available online and wherever books are sold.

Expanding its environmental initiatives and building on the Neighborhood Tree Planting Program, the Festival will plant
over 1,000 cherry trees in the coming years to continue the circle of giving. The Festival and Arbor Day Foundation ask
the public to pick "America's Favorite Cherry Tree" from three common flowering tree species found at the Tidal Basin.
The winning species will be announced on April 27, the last day of the Festival and National Arbor Day. Youth Education initiatives will also be expanded, educating and inspiring the next generation of Festival-goers. In 2012, the Girl Scouts celebrate their 100-year anniversary, and will participate with The Gift of Trees Patch Program to learn about the trees and their cultural significance.

Visit Festival Headquarters in the lobby of The Washington Marriott at Metro Center (775 12th Street, NW) for free information about events and programs and official merchandise.

Festival Welcome Centers are located near the paddle boats at the Tidal Basin and on the Washington Monument grounds. Visitors and residents are encouraged to bike, walk, and use public transportation whenever possible. View Metrobus and Metrorail station maps, point-to-point directions, and trip planners on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website. For a more enjoyable trip, take Metrorail during non-rush hours to the Smithsonian Station (Blue/Orange lines). The L'Enfant Plaza Station (Blue/Yellow/Green lines) 7th Street & Maryland Avenue exit is only an extra 10-minute walk to the Tidal Basin. Customers are encouraged to use their SmarTrip® to receive a 25¢ discount per trip. The National Park Service provides free bike racks near the Jefferson Memorial. Capital Bikeshare, a bike rental program, has multiple stations close to the Tidal Basin and Festival events.

More information www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

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