Festival organizers have now canceled some of the major March events.
In light of DC’s health department’s recent announcements on coronavirus, National Cherry Blossom Festival organizers have chosen to cancel major festival events through Mar 30 as well as the Tidal Basin Welcome area presented by the NPS and ANA.
“It is a difficult decision and one that we do not take lightly,” said Diana Mayhew,
President and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival on a press release yesterday. “The health and safety of the performers, guests, volunteers and festival staff is our priority. We have been working closely with the city government, WHO and CDC as well as our partners to determine the best course of action.”
The affected events include the Pink Tie Party which was set to take place on Mar 20 has now been postponed and festival organizers are looking for a new date; the Opening Ceremony on Mar 21 which will no longer take place at the Warner Theatre and could potentially be streamed live; and the Bloom Kite Festival on Mar 28 has been canceled.
Other festival-related events like Yayoi Kusama’s new exhibition at the Hirshhorn which was announced earlier this year, Crossroads of Japanese Music: Yumi Kurosawa and Friends at the National Museum of Asian Art, and Cherry Blossom Night at DC United have also been canceled.
While other events like Yuko Shimizu’s exhibition Hanami: Beyond the Blooms at Artechouse are still set to take place festival officials have said they will keep reviewing April events as the situation develops. So make sure to keep an eye out for updates!
Feature image: @cherryblossfest