Officials release peak bloom dates for DC cherry blossom trees

WASHINGTON - (AP) -- The National Park Service has predicted a peak bloom for Washington's cherry blossom trees. This year, the peak bloom dates will be from March 31 to April 3.

Organizers of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the park service announced the projected peak bloom date on Wednesday. The average date for the peak bloom, when 70 percent of the trees around the Tidal Basin are in bloom, is April 4.

This year's festival, which marks the anniversary of Japan's gift of 3,000 cherry trees, runs from March 20 through April 17.

MORE ON THE FESTIVAL: http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/

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