For Immediate Release: March 14, 2012
Media Contact: Marketing and Communication Department
National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Days
Family Days expands to two days
Media Contacts: Stacy Adamson, National Building Museum, sadamson@nbm.org, 202-272-2448, ext. 3458
Danielle Piacente, National Cherry Blossom Festival, danielle@downtowndc.org, 202-638-8374
National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Days at the National Building Museum
Family Days expands to two days
Register to be on the press list for Family Days
WHAT
Washington, D.C. -- In honor of the Centennial Celebration commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the gift of trees, Family Days, sponsored by Safeway, expands to a full weekend, Saturday, March 24, 10:00am – 4:30pm and Sunday, March 25, 11:00am – 3:30pm. Thousands are anticipated to attend the seventh annual free Family Days which contains over ten hours of family entertainment featuring hands-on activities and performances from area youth and groups from around the globe.
Family Days encourages participation from all, with blossom-inspired crafts focused on architecture and Japanese arts and design.
- Create a shoji screens and pop-up architecture at the National Building Museum station
- Construct cherry blossom popcorn trees with Safeway
- Make wood-clothespin kokeshi doll ornaments with Howard University
- Dress up in traditional Japanese clothing and write postcards with the National Children’s Museum
- Make a cherry blossom pin out of kimono cloth with The Textile Museum
- Decode blossoms "spy-style" with the International Spy Museum
- Enter the Peter Max Kids Coloring Contest by creating a version of the Official 2012 Commemorative Poster by the world-renowned artist
- Learn about climate change, renewable energy, energy conservation and the science of solar through Sharp Electronics Corporation's Solar Academy program
For the milestone anniversary, the United States Postal Service releases two Cherry Blossom Centennial Forever stamps, and the Day-of-Issuance Ceremony is on Saturday, March 24. A sure collector’s item, the beautiful and unique images form the left and right halves of a single, panoramic view of cherry blossom trees in bloom around the Tidal Basin. Purchase the stamps for the first time at Family Days and collect first-day cancellations.
Global and local performers take the stage throughout the weekend and keep the energy building.
- Tohoko University Jazz Band from Japan
- Motoki Hirai, grandson of the composer who wrote the seminal work Sakura, Sakura, does a story-telling piano piece with violin accompaniment
- Bach 2 Rock
- Blues Alley Youth Orchestra
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington Teen Arts Performers
- Buckhead Girls Choir from Georgia
- Culture Shock
- Nen Daiko
- Shizumi Kodomo Dance Troupe
- The Washington Ballet
Family Days is supported by The Washington Examiner and media partner 98.7 WMZQ.
WHERE
National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001 (Judiciary Square Metro, Red Line)
WHEN
Saturday, March 24 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday, March 25 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
Free; $5 suggested donation. Individual registration is not required. Scouts and other large groups should visit www.nbm.org to register.
IMAGES
Images of past National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrations at the National Building Museum are available upon request. Photo by Ron Engle.
ABOUT
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is the nation's greatest springtime celebration. The 2012 Festival, March 20-April 27, includes five spectacular weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. The 2012 Festival commemorates the 100th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.
The National Building Museum is America’s leading cultural institution dedicated to advancing the quality of the built environment by educating people about its impact on their lives. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, online content, and publications, the Museum has become a vital forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the world we build for ourselves. Public inquiries: 202.272.2448 or visit www.nbm.org. Connect with us on Twitter: @BuildingMuseum and Facebook.
