For Immediate Release: March 4, 2013
Media Contacts: Emma Filar, Marketing & Communications Associate
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Family Days Features Entertainment for All Ages on Opening Weekend of National Cherry Blossom Festival
Presented by the National Building Museum and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Saturday and Sunday, March 23–24, 2013
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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Family Days, presented by the Festival and the National Building Museum and sponsored by Safeway, is held Saturday, March 23, 10 am–4 pm and Sunday, March 24, 11 am–4 pm at the National Building Museum (401 F Street, NW). Thousands are anticipated to attend the eighth annual free event, boasting 11 hours of family entertainment with hands-on activities and rousing youth performances that enliven the soaring space of the National Building Museum.
Family Days encourages participation from all, with crafts and activities focused on architecture, the blossoms, and Japanese arts and design. Participants can:
- Build cha-shitsu tea house structures and shoji screens with the National Building Museum.
- Construct cherry blossom popcorn trees with Safeway.
- Decorate a wind chime with WMZQ.
- Make wafuku-clothed paper dolls with The Textile Museum.
- Dress-up in traditional Japanese clothing and take photos after Hair Cuttery provides the finishing touches.
- Create a spring-theme pinwheel with Howard University.
Dynamic activities are also offered by the Festival Goodwill Ambassadors with Entertainment Cruises, the Newseum, and The Washington Examiner. Special characters make surprise appearances throughout the weekend.
Youth and youth-oriented performers from the area and across the country take the stage throughout the weekend. Returning favorites include the Nen Daiko taiko drummers, the Shizumi Kodomo Dance Troupe, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington Teen Arts Performers. New acts in 2013 include Hapmudo Martial Arts from Virginia, Kaution Dance Kru, and the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus Young Men’s Ensemble.
Family Days is supported by The Washington Examiner, the Newseum, Hair Cuttery, and media partner 98.7 WMZQ, with special thanks to Firehook Bakery.
ABOUT
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is the nation's greatest springtime celebration. The 2013 Festival, March 20 - April 14, includes three spectacular weeks and four weekends of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. The 2013 Festival commemorates the 101st anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.
877.44.BLOOM // nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
@CherryBlossFest // facebook.com/CherryBlossomFestival
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.
