Organizers of the National Cherry Blossom Festival are working on plans to recognize Japan's tsunami tragedy during the festival, which runs March 26 to April 10, spokeswoman Danielle Piacente said.
Meanwhile, they are urging people to donate to the American Red Cross for earthquake relief efforts ahead of the festival that honors U.S.-Japanese relations.
Organizers do not expect to have to replace any performers traveling from Japan. The popular Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival on April 9 is bringing about 50 people from the Tokyo region to perform in Washington.
John Malott, president of the Japan-America Society of Washington, which stages the street festival, says the group will ask for donations for relief efforts during the event.
Donations can be made through the Red Cross website or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Cherry Blossom Festival Seeks Donations for Japan
Copyright AP - Associated Press
