Most DC Cherry Blossom Events Canceled Because Of Coronavirus

WASHINGTON, DC — With the peak bloom period of DC's famed cherry blossoms just a week or two away, the national emergency declared to combat the spread of the new coronavirus has forced organizers to cancel or postpone many of the National Cherry Blossom Festival's most popular events.

"The health and safety of our stakeholders, guests, and employees is our utmost priority," organizers said Saturday. "We appreciate the ongoing support of our community."

Globally, there are more than 153,000 cases of coronavirus; the total number of U.S. cases has reached more than 2,400, according to a Johns Hopkins tracker. A total of 51 deaths in the United States have been caused by the disease as of Saturday afternoon.

Signature Festival events affected include:

• The March 20 Pink Tie Party is postponed. Organizers are assessing possible ways to reschedule.
• The March 21 opening ceremony co-presented by the Japan Foundation is canceled.
• The March 28 Blossom Kite Festival is canceled.
• The Tidal Basin Welcome Area presented with the National Park Service and ANA Stage is canceled.
• The April 4 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is canceled.
• The April 11 Petalpalooza is canceled.

In addition, the following premiere events are postponed:

• The Japan America Society’s Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival; future date to be determined.
• The Anacostia River Festival, produced by the 11th Street Bridge Park and National Park Service, is postponed until Aug. 9.

For more details, visit the Festival website. Some smaller events are still listed as on for now, but it's best to check the website before making any plans.

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Every spring, thousands of visitors descend on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. to enjoy the National Cherry Blossom Festival, when all of the cherry tree branches are bursting with white and pink flowers. The National Park Service is predicting the cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin will reach peak bloom March 27-30 this year.

Typically, Yoshino trees, which are the most common trees in the park, bloom for a period of seven days, depending on weather conditions.

SEE ALSO:

• Metro Reducing Service To Slow Spread Of Coronavirus
• Coronavirus Response: DC Government Adjusts Operating Status
• VA Coronavirus: Public Schools To Close Under Northam's Order
• VA, DC Coronavirus: Schools Close, New Cases, Concerts Canceled

The District of Columbia has also set up a website with the latest COVID-19 information and preventative recommendations.

Mayor Muriel Bowser is adjusting the D.C. government's operating status as part of the District's response to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

Starting Monday March 16, and continuing through Tuesday, March 31, the D.C. government will operate under an agency-specific telework schedule. The aim is to continue delivering essential services and maintain critical systems and services. Some services will continue to operate in public buildings, while others will be performed fully remotely. Normal operations are expected to resume April 1.

As part of the District's change of operating status, D.C. Public Schools will be closed for students from March 16-31. For teachers, March 16 will be a professional development day. The District's Charter schools are also following DCPS' schedule and will be closed from March 16-31. D.C. will continue serving meals to students and seniors on weekdays.