AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The Washington Monument is seen through the cherry blossoms in Washington, March 25, 2011. Peak blooming period of the capital's cherry blossoms is predicted to be from March 29 through April 1, according to the National Park Service.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
A plaque commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the people of Tokyo, as a symbol of the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan.
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
People walk under cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin, March 25, 2011. The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival begins Saturday, March 26, and runs through April 10.
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
A cherry blossom bud is seen on a cherry tree that borders the Tidal Basin, March 22, 2011. The date when the cherry blossoms reach their peak bloom varies from year to year, depending on the weather.
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
Buds and open flowers of cherry trees border the Tidal Basin, Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in Washington.
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
Cherry blossoms are seen at the Tidal Basin March 25, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The Peak Bloom Date is defined as when 70 percent of the blossoms of the Yoshino cherry trees are open.
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
Cherry blossoms are seen at the Tidal Basin March 25, 2011, in Washington, DC.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The Washington Monument is seen through the cherry blossoms in Washington, Friday, March 25, 2011.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Today more than a million people visit the capital each year to take in the view of the blossoming trees.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
As part of the festival, the first annual National Cherry Blossom Photo Contest is being held this year, in which shutterbugs may submit their images of, yes, cherry blossoms.
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A man draws as cherry trees start to bloom, March 25, 2011, in Washington.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The Jefferson Memorial is seen through the cherry blossoms across the Tidal Basin in Washington, Friday, March 25, 2011.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The Jefferson Memorial is seen across the Tidal Basin, through the cherry blossoms in Washington, Friday, March 25, 2011.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
People view the Jefferson Memorial across the Tidal Basin, March 25, 2011.
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
Cyclists on a tandem bike ride past cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin, March 25, 2011 in Washington.
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
People take photographs under the blooming cherry blossom trees, Thursday, March 24, 2011, in Washington.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The Washington Monument is seen through the cherry blossoms in Washington, Friday, March 25, 2011.
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
Washington's National Cherry Blossom Festival runs through April 10.
