DC Kite Festival and Cherry Blossoms

[GoHokiesGo]

Cool shots, I hadn't heard of the kite festival yet.

I'm hoping to head up this weekend to check out the cherry blossoms, although I might be finding some of the maryland areas to avoid the masses in DC.

Nice photos though.

[normie]

Originally Posted by GoHokiesGo

Cool shots, I hadn't heard of the kite festival yet.

I'm hoping to head up this weekend to check out the cherry blossoms, although I might be finding some of the maryland areas to avoid the masses in DC.

Nice photos though.

There's something to be said for doing the tidal basin at least once--the monuments against the cherry blossoms are a cool sight, and they have a lot of free entertainment that's fun to watch.

But once you've "been there and done that" I find I prefer the cherry trees at Meadowlark Garden. Just as pretty, and no crowds.

[Caladium]

You're a good photographer. I hope we see more photos from you.

[GoHokiesGo]

Yeah, I went back in 2008 and don't think I'll be going back to deal with the DC crowds again. You could barely even walk around the mall, No thanks

Here's a few '08 Cherry Blossom shots:
Picasa Web Albums - Jason - Nat'l Cherry ...

[normie]

Nice photos, GoHokie!

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by GoHokiesGo

Yeah, I went back in 2008 and don't think I'll be going back to deal with the DC crowds again. You could barely even walk around the mall, No thanks

Here's a few '08 Cherry Blossom shots:
Picasa Web Albums - Jason - Nat'l Cherry ...

There's something to be said about going early in the AM. We left DC at 1230 and the crowds were starting to get heavy.

[Caladium]

This year (2011) the Kite Festival is 10-4 on Saturday March 27. This is one of my favorite local festivals. It's very colorful and a lot of fun (especially during the Hot Tricks competition, which I believe is at 2 p.m.)

Other events are the launching of the 150-kite arch train display to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Smithsonian, kitemaking demonstrations, the "Field of Colors" ground display of flags and banners and hands-on activities. The hands on activities are mostly for kids (make a kite out of ribbons and recycled plastic bottles, that sort of thing).

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

I've been here since 1973 and this is only the 2nd time I've been to the DC to see the Blossoms. Pretty pathetic isn't it?

Me too. I've been in the area for 20 yrs and have only seen the cherry blossums probably 5x, mostly when I worked downtown and I could walk down to the Tidal Basin, usually with some co-workers/friends.

What I found odd and surprising was the crossing guards at the road crossings around the area. All but one were in very good moods and were greeting everyone as they helped them cross the roads. Nice to see something like this in DC.

They probably got their spring pep talk regarding tourists. You know, since Cherry Blossom season is big on tourism. I've been down there when it's nearly a mob scene and crowd control is a definite must when that happens.

That, and those cameras they installed at the intersections downtown. They said they were installed to monitor crowd control and to time traffic/crowds in the event of a city evacuation. So it's no small wonder that the crossing guards (or any other employee on view) is on their best behavior.

Your photos are awesome! And beautiful! One more wonderful reminder of Spring time (hooray!).Thanks for sharing Bigfoot!

[Caladium]

I actually like the Kite Festival better than the Cherry Blossom Festival. It's more fun and less crowded.