DC cherry blossoms hit peak bloom in time for parade, festival

The District's famous cherry blossoms have officially reached peak bloom Friday as the National Cherry Blossom Festival draws big crowds for its annual parade and Japanese street festival.

The National Park Service says the trees are predicted to be in peak bloom through Tuesday.

Organizers expect big crowds around the Tidal Basin and National Mall. Festival President Diana Mayhew says early mornings are a good time to beat the rush.

This year's blossoms coincide with the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade Saturday at 10 a.m. Miss America Kira Kazantsev and American Idol winner Caleb Johnson appeared Friday morning on FOX 5's Good Day DC. They are both participating in the parade.

The parade is followed by the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival on Saturday afternoon.

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T he Associated Press contributed to this report.