Cherry blossoms about ready to bloom; visitors ready to party

The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off Saturday, though the celebrated pink and white flowers on the gifted Japanese trees are well into their initial popping stage.

The 16-day celebration, the 95th since the mayor of Tokyo donated 3,000 cherry trees to the District in 1912, features the opening day ceremonies, a fireworks display on April 7, and the National Cherry Blossom parade and Japanese street festival on April 14. More than 700,000 residents and visitors are expected to join the party, the unofficial start of Washington’s tourism season.