Cherry Blossom Parade Draws Thousands In D.C.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and a Japanese street festival are bringing a finale to three weeks of events as the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.

This year's parade included celebrity performers, including Jay Sean, Candice Glover from "American Idol," singer Sheena Easton and hip-hop performer Aaron Carter. Former Washington Redskins cornerback Darrell Green was the parade's grand marshal.

The parade also included marching bands and other groups representing states from West Virginia to California.

The parade ran from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday on Constitution Avenue and was televised Saturday afternoon. Organizers say it's also being syndicated nationally. This year, Norah O'Donnell from "CBS This Morning" co-hosted the parade coverage with anchors from WUSA-TV.

The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival was held on Pennsylvania Avenue.