A day at the 2021 National Cherry Blossom Festival
By Meghan Curtis
April 29, 2021
Image Credit: Meghan Curtis for The Campus Trainer
The District of Columbia was flourishing with cherry blossoms for the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 20 to April 11. Due to the pandemic, some tourists and natives were wearing masks and staying socially distant from one another.
Navigating to find parking spots near the Tidal Basin was nearly impossible with most areas blocked off. Police officers guided drivers into the city to find street or lot parking.
Crowds of people huddled around the basin while branches filled with flowers dangled over the glimmering water. Cameras flashed from all directions. Groups of friends and families stood side-by-side for pictures together to capture the moment. Many of them had big smiles while others showed their smiles with their eyes despite wearing a mask. Some people even brought their dogs along for the walk.
Navigating to find parking spots near the Tidal Basin was nearly impossible with most areas blocked off. Police officers guided drivers into the city to find street or lot parking.
Crowds of people huddled around the basin while branches filled with flowers dangled over the glimmering water. Cameras flashed from all directions. Groups of friends and families stood side-by-side for pictures together to capture the moment. Many of them had big smiles while others showed their smiles with their eyes despite wearing a mask. Some people even brought their dogs along for the walk.
Image Credit: Meghan Curtis for The Campus Trainer
Despite there being “a lot of people in a small place...it was my first time [going to the cherry blossom festival] and I was excited to see it,” said Corey Pentz, a junior atmospheric and oceanic science major. Pentz especially relished in the history of the cherry blossoms, which were a gift from Japan to the United States. The beautiful landscapes and nature really caught his eye.
Gracie Tanner, a sophomore multi-platform journalism major, attended the festival and said she felt pretty safe. “I’m vaccinated and [wear] double masks whenever I’m in public.” Although most people wore masks, she also kept her distance from them. The best part of her trip was walking around and seeing all of the trees.
Food trucks lined the sides of the road with all types of food ranging from Mexican to ice cream. Street entertainment was booming with music and singing. The National monuments also gained attraction from many of the people who were there for the cherry blossoms.
Gracie Tanner, a sophomore multi-platform journalism major, attended the festival and said she felt pretty safe. “I’m vaccinated and [wear] double masks whenever I’m in public.” Although most people wore masks, she also kept her distance from them. The best part of her trip was walking around and seeing all of the trees.
Food trucks lined the sides of the road with all types of food ranging from Mexican to ice cream. Street entertainment was booming with music and singing. The National monuments also gained attraction from many of the people who were there for the cherry blossoms.
Image Credit: Meghan Curtis for The Campus Trainer
Tourists and cherry blossom enthusiasts took safe precautions such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to enjoy and attend the famous cherry blossom festival.