100th Season Ahead For D.C.'s Cherry Blossom Trees
WASHINGTON (WJZ)—Washington, D.C. is getting ready to celebrate 100 years with its famous cherry blossom trees.
Mary Bubala reports peak bloom season is right around this corner thanks to this winter's mild weather.
In 1912, an incredible gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees was bestowed on Washington, D.C. by Tokyo, Japan.
The trees have withstood the test of time.
"Cherry blossoms symbolize rebirth, renewal," said Rob DeFeo, National Park Service.
Now nearly a century later, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is preparing for an unprecedented and once-in-a lifetime celebration of 100 years of blooming trees.
"They are almost just heavenly, heavenly wonderful," said a visitor.
The National Park Service announced Thursday the peak bloom dates for the tree's pink and white flowers is earlier this year because of the mild winter. At least 70 percent of the trees are expected to be in full bloom from March 24-31.
"If we go into bloom and it stays cool we might get the 17-18 days you had a bunch of years ago, but if it gets hot maybe seven to 10 days," DeFeo said.
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival attracts about 1 million visitors each year. It runs until April 27.
