Throughout the past month, the National Cherry Blossom Festival has been in full bloom in our nation’s capital. In 1912, Japan donated 3020 cherry blossom trees to the United States in an act of friendship and unity between the two nations. The first official Cherry Blossom Festival took place in 1934, a three day celebration for the flowering trees. On December 11, 1941, four trees were cut down, likely as retaliation against the bombing of Pearl Harbor a few days prior.

Since then, the Cherry Blossom Festival has been a staple tradition in the city, bringing tourists to see the beautiful whitish pink flowers in person. On Saturday April 7, the festival hosted “Petalpalooza”, an all-day event featuring live music, art installations, and a beer garden, appealing to crowds of all ages. This is the first year of Petalpalooza and it made its debut at The Wharf, D.C.’s new waterfront destination. On Sunday April 8, a 10 mile run and 5k walk was hosted in honor of the cherry blossoms, allowing credit unions from across the country to fulfill their vision of helping fundraise for sick children. All proceeds from the event support children’s hospitals that are part of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals according to the official website for the race. The fastest time for the 10 mile race was 46 minutes and 16 seconds while the 5k walk finished in 16 minutes and 5 seconds.

On April 14, the festival draws to an end with a bang, a parade commemorating the history of the cherry blossoms. The parade will feature several musical acts and colorful floats celebrating the beginnings of spring. If you haven’t been able to see the beautiful flowers in person, try and make an effort to visit the trees before the festival ends on April 15!