First day of Cherry Blossom Festival draws thousands
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Michael Harper hits all the right notes, as the National Symphony Orchestra’s Assistant Principal Trumpet performed an impromptu tribute to Stumpy before the longtime cherry tree is removed from the Tidal Basin.
“Clinging on to life [and] resilience,” Harper said as to what makes the tree special. “He doesn’t have much, but he’s doing it proud.”
So long, Stumpy: A brief history of the beloved cherry tree
Stumpy is among the roughly 150 trees to be removed from the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park, part of a three-year project to repair the seawalls.
“I went through two major surgeries, so Stumpy is my hero,” said Patty Dawn, of Great Falls, Va. “I had to learn how to walk. So I just have an affinity for him.”
Dawn’s among those who turned out on the opening day of the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. Roughly 1.5 million people, according to festival organizers, are expected to see the cherry blossoms during this year’s event.
‘Stumpy’ the iconic DC cherry tree to be turned into mulch
“We found out peak bloom was at Sunday (March 17), and then we said we got to get down there,” Dawn said.
Peak bloom occurred six days earlier than expected and is the second earliest blooms ever.
“I think they’re absolutely gorgeous. It’s so wonderful to see them in all different parts of bloom and the ones that have popped and the ones that are almost there,” said Carmia Salcedo, of Fredericksburg, Va. “It’s gorgeous and it’s a perfect day for it.”
The festival honors the 1,912 of 3,000 cherry trees that the mayor of Tokyo, Japan gifted to the District.
What to expect from the National Cherry Blossom Festival
The cherry blossoms may keep their bloom longer this year. The National Park Service says the cooler weather around the area could extend their life by a week.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs through Sunday, April 14.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
