Cherry Blossom Festival 2012

Above-average temperatures have brought 2012 blooms early, but organizers of the centennial National Cherry Blossom Festival see the springlike winter as no threat to their celebration. The festival draws thousands of visitors each year to the capital's Tidal Basin to enjoy the pink and white blossoms. This year's celebration carries a special cachet since it marks the 100th anniversary of Japan's gift of cherry trees as a sign of friendship with the United States.

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