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National Cherry Blossom Festival
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National Cherry Blossom Festival Offers Something ‘Fun-ducational’ for Kids of All Ages
Youth Get Involved in 2023 Festival Through Blossom Kids, Bloomin’ Junior Ranger Program, The Gift of Trees Patch Program, and Student Art Showcase
Washington, D.C. [March 1, 2023] — The National Cherry Blossom Festival today announced that kids of all ages can “Spring It On” with the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival through diverse programming geared toward education and fun around the cherry blossoms. Developed in partnership with the National Park Service, DC Arts & Humanities Collaborative, and Girl Scouts of Nation’s Capital, the various youth education programs allow youth to engage with the 2023 Festival from anywhere. Most activities, programs, and events planned for the 2023 Festival are family-friendly, including the National Cherry Blossom Parade®, Petalpalooza ®, Art in Bloom, Blossom Kite Festival and Petal Porches.
“Kids will have plenty of opportunities to get involved with the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of National Cherry Blossom Festival. “This year’s free and fun youth learning activities and learning programs will fully immerse young people in the history of the beloved celebration of spring and its connection to the local community, environmental stewardship, and Japanese culture.”
Blossom Kids is a free, interactive online experience for all ages – full of “fun-ducational” games, activities, and videos kids can access from anywhere. The experience includes content from the National Children’s Museum and helps kids explore the Festival’s history and learn about Washington, D.C., while earning virtual achievement badges for completing lessons in categories like Arts & Crafts, Words & Numbers, Gift of Trees, Music & Performance and Sports & Fitness. For more information about Blossom Kids, please visit https://bit.ly/2022BlossomKids.
The Bloomin’ Junior Ranger Program (in partnership with the National Park Service) will allow kids to learn all about the cherry trees, participate in at-home activities and learn how they can help protect the blooms. Kids who complete the program earn virtual Junior Ranger badges. Games, trivia, and a special virtual cherry blossom stamp for the Passport to Your National Parks are also featured on the site. Join in the fun at https://www.nps.gov/cherry.
The Gift of Trees Patch Program, developed in partnership with Girl Scouts of Nation’s Capital, commemorates the gift of the cherry trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan. Girl Scout troop leaders and members who are interested in continuing the tradition and earning the patch can find more details www.atgscnc.org.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Student Art Showcase, supported by Corner Water, is now accepting artwork submissions from K-12 students in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme is “I Am In Full Bloom.” The Student Art Showcase Virtual Gallery will open on March 28 and feature a People’s Choice digital vote. Select submissions will be on display at Petalpalooza on April 8, and featured on water bottles provided by Corner Water. All entries must be submitted by March 15. To register and complete the release forms, visit https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/student-art-showcase/.
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About the National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the world’s great celebrations of spring. The 2023 Festival, March 20-April 16, will include four weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. Leadership Circle Sponsors for the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival are Events DC and Amazon. Add the 2023 Festival and signature events to your calendar, and visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org or call 877.44.BLOOM (877.442.5666) for more information. Get the latest updates via email, and be sure to follow the Festival on Facebook (@CherryBlossomFestival), Instagram (@CherryBlossFest), Twitter (@CherryBlossFest) and YouTube (@CherryBlossFest).
