Organizers are urging people not to change their plans.
WASHINGTON — As the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin prepare to bloom, festival organizers say the annual celebration is expected to draw in more than a million people. They’re staying optimistic that the sewage spill in the Potomac, will not change that.
“The amazing thing about the cherry blossoms and the beauty of those is that it transcends whatever else is happening in the city and in the community because it brings everybody together,” said Sarah Rabin Spira, director of marketing and communications for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The branches along the Tidal Basin remain bare now, but Spira says peak bloom and the influx of visitors, is just weeks away. “About 1.6 million people who visit the festival every year,” she said.
More visitors also mean a boost for the local economy. “The economic impact on D.C. really can’t be overstated because so many people are coming and really coming out from hibernation in the winter into this really beautiful opportunity to celebrate our city,” Spira said.
But, some are concerned about the impacts the recent sewage spill will have.
When asked about the potential impact by WUSA9’s Rafael Sanchez Cruz, Mayor Muriel Bowser said, “I’m not gonna address that because I need more information.”
Spira said the festival is staying positive.
When asked if she’s concerned there will be any impact on the festival, she said “we always hope it won’t, right? We’re gonna plan for the best, but we’re gonna work with our partners to do that. But really we think that the beauty of this festival and this city coming together is really going to be more important than anything else.”
Most of the festival’s main events, including the parade, the Blossom Kite Festival on the National Mall, and the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race, are not centered on the Potomac itself.
Spira noted that between the free events and the beauty of the trees, she believes people will not be deterred.
Asked what message she would send to those reconsidering their plans, Spira said, “Short answer, don’t. We really think that D.C. is the most beautiful city with the cherry blossoms, the people. It’s really an amazing opportunity. I would hate for anyone to miss that.”
Spira added that the festival will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with both the National Park Service and the mayor’s office.
The Cherry Blossom Festival will run March 20th-April 12th.