Cherry Blossoms to Hit Peak Bloom for Parade, Festival Crowd

Washington's famous cherry blossoms are set to hit peak bloom this weekend as the National Cherry Blossom Festival draws big crowds for its annual parade and Japanese street festival.

The National Park Service says the cherry trees are predicted to be in peak bloom Saturday through Tuesday. With most of the trees in bloom this weekend, organizers are expecting big crowds around the Tidal Basin and National Mall.

Festival President Diana Mayhew says early mornings are a good time to beat the crowds.

This year's peak bloom will coincide with the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. That will be followed by the annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival on Saturday afternoon.

The cherry blossom festival closes on Sunday with a new Anacostia River Festival.