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Washington, DC - The nation's capital hosted over one million visitors throughout the National Cherry Blossom Festival who were privy to a rare treat: blossoms in bloom for one of the longest continuous periods in more than twenty years.

Year-round grooming and maintenance from the National Park Service and mild weather helped sustain the longest blooming period in recent history, which began a few days prior to the official start of the Festival and continued through April 13. In those two weeks, Festival organizers hosted over 90 events, nearly 200 performances and daily activities during the extended bloom, billed as "the longest blooming period that I have experienced since joining the National Park Service in 1991," by Rob DeFeo, Chief Horticulturalist.

The influx of visitors caused record-breaking crowds at several Festival events, including the energetic parade and bustling Japanese street festival on the final weekend.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival will begin planning a spectacular celebration for the 97th anniversary of the cherry blossom gift. The 2009 Festival is scheduled from March 28 - April 12, 2009. The parade will be held during the second weekend, April 4, 2009 to avoid marching bands and other performance groups traveling on Easter weekend.

Residents and tourists are encouraged to visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org often for updates on special fundraising events to keep the spirit of the blossoms alive year-round.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week, citywide event celebrating spring. The 2008 Festival was March 29 - April 13 and featured daily cultural performances, sporting events, arts and crafts, demonstrations and other special events. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the gift of cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan.