The history of the cherry trees dates to 1912, when First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted the first two of these trees on the north bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac river. National Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated every spring in Washington, DC. Several varieties of Cherry trees grow around the Tidal Basin, at East Potomac Park, and on the Washington Monument Grounds, the most common being the Yoshino variety.There are a lot of events all through the Festival like Ranger-led bike tours, self-guided tours of the flowering cherry trees, Kite flying competition. There is a Parade of National Cherry blossom festival featuring marching bands, floats, balloons, and other family entertainment.
If you don't mind spending some $$ you can enjoy a perfect evening with fireworks on a cruise along with dinner buffet. A cheaper option would be a paddle boat ride with your love one in the tidal basin.
This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival is from March 29- April 13 2008.
