Iconic Cherry Blossom Festival to Return ‘Live’ in 2022
WASHINGTON — The National Cherry Blossom Festival, a tourist favorite that was severely curtailed last year by the coronavirus pandemic, will return as a live celebration of the iconic spring blooms in 2022.
Next year’s event will be held March 20 to April 17, 2022.
“D.C. is open and that means that the National Cherry Blossom Festival is back in person,” declared Mayor Muriel Bowser Tuesday from the stage of The Hamilton Live on 14th Street.
“In neighborhoods across the district, the cherry blossoms have been a bright spot during the past two years – a beautiful reminder of hope and renewal,” she said. “Now, we can’t wait to welcome visitors back to Washington, D.C., to experience the full in-person 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival and all that D.C. has to offer.”
In addition to announcing the return of live events cancelled last spring, Bowser, festival sponsors and stakeholders also revealed the 2022 official artwork crafted by local artist Lea Craigie-Marshall.
The Falls Church resident said in brief remarks that the commemorative poster, copies of which are now available to purchase, was inspired by her love and respect for the environment.
It showcases monarch butterflies amongst a plethora of blooms.
“Both the blossoms and the monarchs are precious and fleeting, and it’s important to protect them both for future generations to enjoy,” Craigie-Marshall said. “I wanted to include the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial as well, two of my favorites and really an iconic part of the festival.”
The festival also announced the return of Leadership Circle partners, Amazon and Events DC, as lead sponsors for the 2022 Festival.
“As a longtime partner of the festival, Events DC is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Parade once again on Constitution Avenue,” said Greg O’Dell, president and chief executive officer of the organization.
“This upcoming celebration of spring will be a testament to the power of what it means to come together, revitalizing a tradition that people look forward to every year,” he said.
Brian Huseman, vice president of public policy for Amazon, said the Internet giant is proud of its role supporting the festival for the second year in a row.
“As our company invests in and expands across the region, we are committed to being a good neighbor and community partner,” Huseman said. “The National Cherry Blossom Festival brings our region and visitors from around the world together to celebrate one of the most unique events in the country, and we are excited to see visitors return for the 2022 festival.”
For additional information on the festival, visit its website here.
Dan can be reached at [email protected] and at https://twitter.com/DanMcCue.
