FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Danielle Piacente
Linda Roth Associates, Inc.
703.417.2702
PLANS FOR 2010 NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL UNDERWAY
Washington, D.C. [December 15, 2009] – Despite the chill in the air, the National Cherry Blossom Festival looks toward spring as plans for 2010’s festivities are well underway. The 2010 Festival will be held from Saturday, March 27 – Sunday, April 11.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is pleased to announce the 2010 Festival Artwork has been selected, created by Junko Yamada of Jackson Heights, New York. Yamada impressed the selection committee with her unique works of art and collages on rice paper. Born in Kyoto, Japan, Junko grew up along the Pacific coast outside of Kyoto where she was impressed and influenced by spectacular scenery. Her academic training includes the Art Institute of Boston in the late 1980’s and the Art League in Alexandria, Virginia throughout the 1990’s.
The artwork will be represented in official Festival merchandise, available online and at various locations throughout the Festival. Also available now are funky boutique blossom-inspired items. A new item this year is the collectible holiday ornament, hand-painted by artist Otella Brantmier – the perfect adornment to any Christmas tree. Grandstand ticket seating for the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® (Saturday, April 10) are also now on sale here or by calling Ticketmaster (800) 551-SEAT. All items make perfect gifts this holiday season.
Key dates throughout the Festival include Opening Weekend with Family Day and the Opening Ceremony on March 27 at the National Building Museum; Mid-Festival Weekend with Fireworks on the Southwest Waterfront on Saturday, April 3; and the Grand Finale Weekend featuring the Parade followed by the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival on April 10. There will be daily cultural performances on the Target Performance Stage at the Sylvan Theatre, located on the grounds of the Washington Monument among hundreds of cherry trees, just minutes from the Tidal Basin.
Look for more exciting plans as the Festival gets ready for 2010 and the centennial celebration of the gift of cherry blossom trees in 2012, as well as a new look and feel of the Festival as reflected in the refreshed NCBF logo and website.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington DC’s and the nation’s largest springtime celebration. The 2010 Festival is March 27 – April 11, and features signature events, daily cultural performances, art exhibits, sport competitions and more. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 98th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan.
For schedules and information visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
or call the Festival hotline at (877) 44BLOOM.
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