They were *just* here too. Photo by María Helena Carey.
There should be some sort of shoutout or special celebration dedicated to the double-flowered Kwanzan cherry trees that ably fill in the gaps left by the awe-inspiring but far more fickle Yoshino. You should definitely think of that this weekend, as the Cherry Blossom Festival celebrations come to our neck of the woods this weekend!
?Saturday April 16: Sakura Matsuri takes over the Navy Yard neighborhood!!!?
Celebrate Japanese culture at the Sakura Matsuri festival! The festival goes from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine, and is anchored at the corner of First and N Streets SE, right between Yards Park and Nats Stadium. It’s supposed to be 66 and sunny on Saturday, so I think we’ll all be quite comfortable (just make sure you wear comfy footwear). You can catch cosplayers (maybe America’s Greatest Otaku, Chris Wanamaker?), shows, Japanese culture, adorable things to buy and eat, OMG DOMO-KUN!!!, martial arts demos, bonsai, ikebana, and a lot more! Get more information about the festival over at their website, www.sakuramatsuri.org or email the organizers at sakuramatsuri@jaswdc.org. I wonder if they will have anything related to my newest passion… um… the kids’ favorite new show, Yo-Kai Watch. (It’s so kawaii you guys!)
?Sunday April 17: Second Annual Anacostia River Festival!!!?
The festival is in its second year and is one of the National Cherry Blossom festival’s signature events: an undeniable staple of spring! From the festival information: “This year’s Anacostia River Festival celebrates “connecting people to parks” in recognition of the National Park Service’s 2016 Centennial celebration.” You can find more info at their website: http://bridgepark.org/anacostia-river-festival
Some of the fun you will encounter at this festival? Hang on to your hat: you can learn how to fish, make art, go kayaking or boating, or just have a picking and enjoy the beautiful riverside. (It’s supposed to be 72 degrees on Sunday, so it’ll definitely be picnicking weather.)