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2014 AnnuAl Review
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org2
“ The 1912 gift from Japan is celebrated each year
during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, an
iconic spring event in Washington, DC.”— President Obama and Prime Minister Abe,
in a U.S.- Japan joint statement on April 25, 2014
National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review 11National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review
2014 national Cherry Blossom Festival Steps into Spring
The National Cherry Blossom Festival offered area residents, along with visitors from across the nation and around the world, fresh and innovative programming, inviting them to Step into Spring. For 25 days, from March 20 to April 13—four weekends and more than three weeks—the Festival drew people to participate in its inspiring and engaging events, highlighting all things active.
Honoring the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, the nation’s greatest springtime celebration enticed local visitors and tourists to its predominantly free and open to the public events across the capital. Partners, supporters, and volunteers worked together to create a Festival that:
• Welcomed over 1.5 million people to the nation’s capital, fueling the local economy
• Presented creative and entertaining events, featuring notable personalities and world-class entertainment
• Reached an audience of billions through local, national, and international media coverage and publicity efforts, generating viral buzz through compelling content
• Presented exceptional arts exhibits, cross-cultural experiences, and exchanges with Japan
• Created new active participation opportunities for a broad spectrum of visitors and residents
• Engaged business, government, civic, and youth organizations to unite the community
Always highly anticipated, the National Cherry Blossom Festival brought new ideas and activities to the winter-weary city and region, signifying the arrival of spring.
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Festival Website Continues to Bloom
From January 1 – April 13, the website received over 1.6 million visits from more than 1.1 million unique visitors.
Stepping into Spring in DCExceptional Exposure and Economic Impact
“ I used to take #CherryBlossomDC
for granted. Never again.”— Shomari Stone, a reporter for NBC Washington
$15+ Million in Public Relations and Marketing Campaign Value*
• Over 3,100 local and national television media mentions reached an estimated audience of more than 178 million, not including international audiences
• Print circulation reached more than 37 million
• Internet coverage yielded more than 2.9 billion unique pageviews
*Source: Vocus, TV Eyes
Engaging the Public Online
New contests and exciting content on social media increased exposure to attendees and fans.
• 52,260 likes on Facebook, a 45% increase, reaching more than 12.1 million people
• 7,830 Twitter followers, a 33% increase
• Fans shared pictures of Capital Bikeshare’s #bikeinbloom, resulting in more than 1 million impressions
• 704 Instagram followers, a 101% increase, with 5,000 interactions
• Fans showed how they #StepIntoSpring for the chance to win tickets to National Cherry Blossom Festival night with the Washington Nationals, reaching more than 155,000
Mobile App Navigates the Festival with Ease
Thousands used the free Festival app, which included a re-designed interface and new self-guided walking tour, sponsored by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The streamlined app helped attendees access event updates, plan a custom schedule, find nearby restaurants, and enjoy the Festival to the utmost.
Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival draws international attention to the DC area, bringing millions of tourism dollars to the local economy.
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Partners Bolster Marketing and Promotional efforts
Co-branding efforts brought the Festival to high-impact locations throughout the city, across the region and further afield.
• Expanded and new local media partners reached diverse audiences, including readers of The Washington Informer, The Washington Blade and The Washington City Paper
• In New York City, a 30-second video on the Toshiba screen in Times Square earned 1.5 million impressions daily for 30 days
• In partnership with goDCgo, signage and information was displayed on the Circulator and bus shelters
• New signage appeared on the plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for five weeks
• Branding was exhibited at Ronald Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport
• 90 area Safeway stores featured Festival information and brochures
• 164 Capital One Bank®branches promoted the Festival
Record Metrorail Ridership
On Saturday, April 12, Metrorail ridership was 638,474, making it the busiest Saturday since October 30, 2010, and nearly doubling the numbers for an average Saturday. On the last day of the Festival, Sunday, April 13, ridership was 405,154 trips – 83% higher than an average Sunday – making it the busiest Sunday on Metrorail since July 4, 2010.
Capital Bikeshare Breaks Records
On Saturday, April 12, Capital Bikeshare had a record 15,746 daily trips, topping the previous daily record by more than 4,000 trips. On weekends during the Festival, more than 70,000 trips were taken, a 10% increase over the highest year to date.
visitors from Around the world
Over 1.5 million people enjoyed the National Cherry Blossom Festival. An estimated 55% of Festival attendees were from DC, Maryland and Virginia, 45% come from out of town.*
*Source: Alexander Babbage
PinnACle AwARDSEach year, the International Festival & Events Association (IFEA) recognizes outstanding accomplishments by festivals and events around the world through its prestigious Pinnacle Awards Competition. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is thrilled to have won Bronze in the Grand Pinnacle category, IFEA’s highest award. The Festival also won:
GOlD
Best Children’s Programming: Family Days presented with the National Building Museum and sponsored by Safeway
Best Event Website: nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
SilveR
Best Mobile App
Best Media Relations Campaign
Best Miscellaneous Printed Item: 2013 Annual Review
BROnZe
Best Single Magazine Display Ad: Pink Tie Party, seen in Capitol File magazine
Best Commemorative Poster
Honors also include:
Top 100 Event in the United States by BizBash
Top 100 Event in North America for 2014 by the American Bus Association
Special Citation for Community Engagement with Lighting from Architectural Lighting magazine for the 2013 Lantern Field installation (in partnership with the Freer Gallery of Art and Virginia Tech)
Awards and Accolades
“ Guest Services saw an impressive
level of sales, second only to 2013,
when the Welcome Area was open
an additional week.” — Gerry Gabrys, Chief Executive Officer, Guest
Services, Inc. (official concessionaire for the National Park Service)
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City in BloomThe City in Bloom campaign, presented by Capital One Bank®, gave participants ways to Step into Spring with pink lighting and blossom projections, decals, and more. Over 1,000 entities took part in the program, including two area airports, the D.C. Taxicab Commission, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and goDCgo.
The trail of blossom decals went from hotel, restaurant and shop windows, to taxis and Metro stations, to Capital Bikeshare’s fleet of 2,000+ bikes around the city. Among lighting displays, the Government of the District of Columbia lit the historic John A. Wilson Building. The NEWSEUM, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, and the brand new CityCenterDC lit and projected blossoms.
City in Bloom went global when the iconic Tokyo Tower was lit up in pink on April 5 and April 12, to coincide with the peak bloom of the cherry trees in Tokyo and Washington, DC. The popular jazz venue Blue Note Tokyo in Japan also joined. This simultaneous springtime celebration between countries made City in Bloom truly extraordinary.
National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review 5
Deals for Petal Pass HoldersLocal attractions, restaurants, retail stores, fitness centers, museums, and more offered deals and discounts to Petal Pass holders as part of this second annual program. 164 Capital One Bank® branches offered the free Pass that featured springtime savings from 56 participants at more than 845 locations.
Spring Menus Delighted Diners Produced with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, and now in its 12th year, Cherry Picks showcased DC’s vibrant dining scene at 101 venues throughout the region. Chefs and mixologists created innovative entrées, appetizers, desserts, cocktails, and even entire multi-course menus inspired by the blossoms.
Thousands visited Festival Headquarters at union StationContinuing a tradition, thousands stopped for official merchandise at the National Cherry Blossom Festival® Headquarters located inside Union Station’s West Hall. Evelia Sowash created this year’s official artwork, which appeared on the 2014 poster and Festival merchandise, and quickly became a best-selling design. Known for flora-inspired creations, Sowash was inspired by the blossoms, and calls them “nature’s confectionery delight for the eyes.”
Tidal Basin welcome Area and Performance Stage
The National Park Service, National Cherry Blossom Festival, and Guest Services, Inc., welcomed over one million people to the Tidal Basin Welcome Area. National Park Service rangers offered a multitude of jogging, walking, and lantern-
lit tours, including a “Pups’n Petals” dog walk. Merchandise, visitor services, and paddle boat rides were also available. Each day, the National Cherry Blossom Festival offered hours of eclectic free entertainment featuring talented artists and groups, as guests relaxed amidst the blossoms and monuments.
Stepping into the Springtime Spirituniting the DC Region and Beyond
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Opening CeremonyThe Opening Ceremony celebrated the 102nd anniversary of the gift of trees with spirited performances by American and Japanese talent at the Warner Theatre. City officials, dignitaries, and Festival leaders joined renowned performers representing a variety of classic and contemporary backgrounds, including R&B singer and songwriter Judith Hill, tango singer Anna Saeki, Okinawan pop star Rimi Natsukawa, jazz musician Kaori Kobayashi with the Mao Sone Quartet, Juilliard School baritone Takaoki Onishi, and the Howard University Step Team.
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Stepping into the SpotlightSignature events and Favorite Traditions
Step into Spring Fitness Programming sponsored by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, inc. Hundreds of exercise enthusiasts participated in free group activities at both the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument on two Festival Saturdays. Classes included cardio kickboxing, world beat dance, and Zumba. Approximately 2,000 yogis came together with lululemon athletica on the Washington Monument grounds to participate in one of the largest community yoga classes in DC.
Pink Tie Party Guests Celebrated the Blossoms in StyleThe 8th annual stylish Festival fundraiser welcomed more than 800 party revelers who donned “Pink Tie” attire for this year’s focus on fashion, with displays from The Collection at Chevy Chase, Macy’s, Brooks Brothers, and Capitol File magazine. Guests played games of chance including a ring toss and balloon darts, and also bid in a high-end silent auction. Delicious cuisine and libations, surprise entertainment, and music had people celebrating the season of blossoms well into the evening. The Pink Tie Party was held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for the first time, and the successful fundraiser will be held there again in 2015. The event is supported by Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA), the exclusive real estate and hospitality service provider for the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
The Festival presented exciting programming that entertained and educated with an active twist on classic events. The Festival also introduced new, innovative activities that engaged audiences in creative ways—encouraging them to participate on a more personal level.
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Family Days Families enjoyed a weekend-long event with fun for all ages, presented with the National Building Museum and sponsored by Safeway. Over 10,500 attendees participated in hands-on activities inspired by spring, Japanese arts, design, and architecture. Visitors enjoyed a friendly dance competition and built a balloon garden. National Building Museum volunteers led children in constructing cha-shitsu teahouses and Japanese gardens. Safeway returned to sponsor a bustling craft zone where attendees made cherry trees out of popcorn. The performance stage turned the spotlight on lively youth acts, including the Nen Daiko drummers, Shizumi Kodomo Dance troupe, Blues Alley Youth Orchestra, the Howard University Step Team, the Georgetown University Tappin’ Jacks, and more.
Severe weather: Blossom Kite Festival Called OffPlans to Soar Into Spring were put on hold as a weekend of unrelenting rain forced the cancellation of the ever-popular Blossom Kite Festival, an extremely rare occurance.
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Cherry Blast: Art + Music Dance Party Blind Whino, a dedicated art space in Southwest DC that is housed in a former church and is itself a piece of art with elaborate outdoor murals, was the perfect venue for this multi-media, multi-sensory extravaganza. More than 1,100 partiers enjoyed visual programming provided by Art Whino, including a curated blossom exhibit featuring hundreds of themed visual pieces, performance art, live bands, and DJs.
Grand Sake TastingFor one night only at the historic Carnegie Library, master brewers from Japan offered attendees the rare opportunity to taste a variety of world-famous sake, shochu, and beer. Guests mingled with celebrity chef Candice Kumai, ate Japanese food, watched traditional performances, and bid on favorite bottles of sake to take home.
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Southwest waterfront Fireworks FestivalThe National Cherry Blossom Festival and Southwest Waterfront community welcomed more than 55,000 visitors for a day of music, family-centric activities for all ages, cultural experiences, live entertainment, and delicious food. Attendees enjoyed three stages with eclectic music, hands-on activities for children, the Very Cherry Marketplace with fine arts and crafts, a beer garden, food trucks, the Cherry Blossom Beach with games and activities, and more. Lighted boat displays and floating lanterns led up to the spectacular Fireworks Show to end the day. The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival was supported by The Wharf: Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, with community leadership from the Washington Waterfront Association.
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national Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® Presented by events DCContinuing a tradition of more than 60 years, on Saturday, April 12, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC stepped down Constitution Avenue with vibrant fanfare – including floats, marching bands from across the country, giant helium balloons, blossom-inspired décor, and colorful costumes. Approximately 150,000 people enjoyed outstanding celebrity entertainment including American Idol winner Candice Glover, Grammy winning artists Sheena Easton and Regina Belle, pop star Aaron Carter, and many more. Norah O’Donnell, co-anchor of CBS This Morning, joined WUSA 9 News anchors Andrea Roane and Mike Hydeck to host, and WASH-FM’s Loo Katz and Matt Bosso hosted the second performance area. The Parade is nationally syndicated to more than 76% of the U.S. with the support of Events DC.
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New Traditions Begin at Tysons Corner CenterIn a spectacular display, Tysons Corner Center featured Voyo Woo’s paper-cutting exhibit, Blossoming Paper. Cut and folded paper cherry blossoms on trees made for a thrilling expression of a traditional Japanese art form, and set the atmosphere for the month-long celebration at a central hub.
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Stepping into Blossoms CreativelyArts and Culture Continue to Bring Diversity
Performances and events from outstanding Japanese and American artists celebrated Japanese cultural influences as the national Cherry Blossom Festival honored the friendship between the united States and Japan.
Aun-J Classic Orchestra The AUN-J Classic Orchestra enlivened the Festival with multiple performances. The group of young musicians is known for their energetic, bold style on traditional, sustainable Japanese instruments. AUN-J played the official closing concert on the Tidal Basin Stage for thousands Sunday, April 13, coinciding with peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees. They also performed during the screening of the documentary Umi Yama Aida (In Between Mountains and Oceans) at the National Archives, and for students at Turner Elementary School.
Contemporary Japanese Ceramics by living national Treasures and Other Masters
emerging Japanese Jazz Series Blues Alley Jazz Club in historic Georgetown presented a new series of jazz concerts, showcasing aspiring Japanese artists from America’s most prominent music conservatories. Concerts included Chihiro Yamanaka; New School Night, featuring Martha Kato; and Berklee College Night, featuring Mao Sone.
The Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Chigusa and the Art of Tea explored objects used in tea gatherings, as well as diaries, calligraphy displays, and Japanese stoneware. Kiyochika: Master of the Night showcased a portion of the artist’s extensive print series. Thousands of visitors enjoyed a range of free public programs including a performance by the Tamagawa University Taiko Drumming & Dance Troupe.
Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street FestivalApproximately 43,000 people flocked to Pennsylvania Avenue for The Japan-America Society of Washington DC’s 54th Sakura Matsuri. This family-friendly event is the largest Japanese cultural festival in the United States, and featured over 20 hours of live performances on three stages, arts and cultural activities, food, a marketplace, and much more. The new Culinary Arts Pavilion offered cooking demonstrations throughout the day, with a special demonstration from Chef Tatsuo Saito, celebrity host of Dining with the Chef on NHK World.
At the Japan Information and Culture Center, run by the Embassy of Japan, visitors enjoyed an exhibition of the finest contemporary Japanese ceramics, showcasing works and techniques spanning generations.
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Youth Art Contest & Community Art ShowCoordinated in partnership with the DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative, the program accepted entries from 36 DC public and charter schools spanning grades K-12. Through their entries, students depicted how they “Step into Spring” with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The public selected the overall winner from the finalists within each grade category by voting at the art show held at PEPCO Edison Place, or by “liking” an image in the Facebook gallery.
Sing into Spring Competition In the first annual Sing into Spring competition, the Festival engaged hundreds of local singers who competed for the chance to perform in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC. The top performers were chosen to audition at an event hosted by American Idol’s Justin Guarini. Five solo and group vocalists were selected: The GW Vibes and Reverb, two a cappella groups from Washington, DC; Ashley from Mount Rainier, Maryland; Alan Gendreau from Washington, DC; and eight-year-old Kelvin Dukes from Burtonsville, Maryland. The judges included Joe Coleman, former lead vocalist of The Platters; Louise Robinson of Sweet Honey and the Rock; and Darik Kristofer, host for 94.7 Fresh FM.
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enGAGinG THe COMMuniTY
Stepping into the Communityexpanding Reach and ensuring the Future
Furthering the Gift of Trees Continuing the circle of giving, the Festival and Casey Trees planted cherry trees throughout Washington, DC. Tree plantings spread the gift of trees beyond the Tidal Basin, creating neighborhood traditions for years to come. Plantings occurred at Turner Elementary School, Canal Park, Kingman Island in the Anacostia River, and will continue into the fall. A portion of the trees planted were donated by Macy’s.
Goodwill Ambassadors Goodwill Ambassadors are talented, energetic young adults who have a true passion for international relations, community involvement, and the Festival. They acted as cultural liaisons, led educational presentations at DC schools, and interacted with attendees. In June, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Goodwill Ambassadors are invited to Japan as part of the “KAKEHASHI Project – The Bridge for Tomorrow,” to further US-Japan relations and promote cross-cultural exchange.
Gift of Trees Patch Program Over 600 patches were earned upon completion of the program with the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. The Festival also participated in the Girl Scout’s DC Step Showcase.
Blossom KidsThe new Blossom Kids page introduced in 2014 offered three different sections – Play, Create, and Explore – for children to learn about the Festival all year long with fun, interactive activities.
increasing Accessibility Through a new partnership with the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, the National Cherry Blossom Festival offered expanded services to people who are blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind. Volunteers accompanied those in need to the Tidal Basin, and customizable maps gave walking directions.
Blossoms and Baseball A springtime tradition, Blossoms and Baseball celebrated National Cherry Blossom Festival night at Nationals Park. People wore pink to the park to cheer on the Washington Nationals and participated in pre-game activities. A portion of the proceeds from tickets
purchased at nationals.com/blossomsandbaseball benefit the Festival throughout the season.
evening at the Ambassador’s Residence Business leaders and notable Washingtonians came together for a dinner at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan to raise support and awareness of the Festival. The dinner, hosted by Ambassador and Mrs. Sasae and chaired by General Richard Myers, USAF (Ret.) and Mrs. Mary Jo Myers, highlighted the importance of the Festival’s mission to promote and preserve the legacy of the gift of trees and the close relationship between the U.S. and Japan.
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Blossom Kite Festival
Cherry Blast: Art + Music Dance Party
Cherry Picks Restaurant Program in partnership with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington
City in Bloom presented by Capital One Bank®
Family Days presented with the National Building Museum, sponsored by Safeway
Gift of Trees Patch Program in partnership with the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital
Goodwill Ambassadors Program
Grand Sake Tasting
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC
Neighborhood Tree Planting Program
Opening Ceremony
2014 national Cherry Blossom Festival events & Programs
Official Participating Organizations AUN-J Classic Orchestra
Arise Bazaar
The Art and Drama Therapy Institute, Inc. (ADTI)
Blind Whino: SW Arts Club
Blues Alley Jazz Society
Cantate Chamber Singers
Capitol Riverfront BID
Cherry Blossom, Inc.
Colvin Run Mills Historic Site
Corcoran Gallery of Art
DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities
District Sports
Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital
Events DC
Fairfax County Park Authority
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Guest Services, Inc.
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
Japan Information and Culture Center/ Embassy of Japan
Joy of Motion Dance Center
Library of Congress
lululemon athletica
Macy’s
Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic
National Building Museum
Tour Providers Big Bus Tours
Bike and Roll Washington DC
Capital Yacht Charters
DC Cruises
DC Metro Food Tours
Entertainment Cruises
National Pedicabs
Washington Photo Safari
Petal Pass Program presented by Capital One Bank®
Pink Tie Party
Postcards to the Troops
Sing into Spring Competition
Step into Spring Fitness Programming sponsored by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival produced by The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival
Tidal Basin Performance Stage
Youth Ambassador Program
Youth Art Contest and Community Art Show presented with the DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative
National Conference of State Societies
National Japanese American Memorial Foundation
National Museum of Women in the Arts
The Phillips Collection
S&R Foundation
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Tysons Corner Center
U.S. National Arboretum
United States Navy Memorial Foundation
Visit Fairfax
Washington Nationals
Washington Rugby Football Club
Washington Waterfront Association
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.
Hotel Partners
National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review 17
Sponsors leadership Circle
Events DC
Host Sponsors
Capital One Bank®
Safeway Inc.
Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Big Bus Tours
DowntownDC Business Improvement District
Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA)
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
National Building Museum
Festival Associates
Destination DC
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
The Jorgensen Law Firm, PLLC
Linder & Associates
Sage Communications
Sakura Circle
agencyQ
Allison+Partners
ANA–All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.
Arena Stage
AT&T
Beringer Vineyards
Brooks Brothers
Centerplate/NBSE
The Collection at Chevy Chase
CSI Printing & Graphics
Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.
Donate Life – Be a Donor
Dunkin’ Donuts
Eastern National
EventEQ
Georgetown Cupcake
Geppetto Catering, Inc.
Guest Services, Inc.
Hair Cuttery
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
JCAW Foundation, Inc.
Johnson’s Florist and Garden Centers
Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Kirin Brewery
Macy’s
Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.
Mary Chocolate Co. Ltd.
Media Partners
WUSA 9
ABC7/WJLA-TV
Comcast
WHERE Magazine
Washington City Paper
Washingtonian Media
Capitol File Magazine
On Tap Magazine
Washington Blade
The Washington Informer
Washington Parent
The Washington Post
WASH-FM
98.7 WMZQ
BIG 100.3
HOT 99.5
94.7 Fresh FM
El Zol 107.9
WPGC 95.5
Social Sightings
CultureCapital.com
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Microsoft
Mitsubishi International Corporation
The National Press Club
NEWSEUM
Odyssey Cruises
Pentagon Federal Credit Union
Pepsi-Cola
Premier Plantscapes
Procter & Gamble premium brands: Tide, Bounty, Charmin, Pantene, Pampers, and Crest
S&R Foundation
Spirit Cruises
SUBWAY® Restaurants of the greater Washington DC area
Toshiba
TOYOTA
Turkish Airlines
Tysons Corner Center
Uber
Union Station
Warner Theatre
Washington Nationals
The Wharf: Hoffman-Madison Waterfront
WUSA 9
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Supporters and Donors
Alex and Ani
Amtrak
Anonymous Donor
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ
BGR Group
Blackstone
Cantina Marina
Capitol Riverfront BID
Carmine’s
Casey Trees
Cherry Blossom, Inc.
Chevron
Chrysler
The Coca-Cola Company
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
Edelman
Enterprise Car Share
ExxonMobil
FedEx Office
Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream
The Graham Georgetown
Hard Rock Cafe
Hitachi, Ltd.
The Hotel Association of Washington, D.C.
ITOCHU International Inc.
The Japan Foundation, New York
The J.C.C. Fund of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
of New York, Inc.
JCDecaux North America
The J. Williard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
KIND Healthy Snacks
KPMG, LLP
Lisa Barry
Lockheed Martin
Medieval Times
Melrose Georgetown Hotel
Mitsui Fudosan America
Pepco
Restaurant Associates and Wolfgang Puck Catering
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington
RideScout
The Sally Foss and James Scott Hill Foundation
STK
Stonehall Farm
Sumitomo Corporation of America
Tokyo Tower
Tysons Galleria
University of the District of Columbia
U.S. Travel Association
Visit Fairfax
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Washington Waterfront Association
The Honorable William Webster
Special thanks to the
National Park Service,
Embassy of Japan, and
Government of the
District of Columbia.
National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review 19
Board of Directors Chair
Kristin M. Rohr Director, Marketing and Communications Guest Services, Inc.
vice Chair
Sue Porter Director of Visitor Services Visit Fairfax
Secretary
Barbara ehrlich
Treasurer
Christy l. Toole Senior Manager, Audit KPMG, LLP
Members
Theresa Belpulsi Vice President, Tourism & Visitor Services Destination DC
Cynthia Brock-SmithSecretary of the District of Columbia
Pam Galloway-TabbSenior Vice President, Conferences & Special Services, Newseum
Tony GittensExecutive Director, Filmfest DC
Kathy HollingerPresident, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington
Solomon Keene, Jr.President, Hotel Association of Washington, D.C.
Dr. Sachiko KunoPresident, S&R Foundation
Karyn G. le BlancDirector of Communications DowntownDC Business Improvement District
Mary O’Connor loJaconoSenior Vice President & Senior Partner FleishmanHillard Inc.
laurel lukaszewskiArtist
Ambassador John MalottPresident & CEO, The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
Susan e.S. nortonCEO, Wildscreen USA
Gregory O’DellPresident & CEO, Events DC
elizabeth ScottEats Good Media
Dan ShermanPresident & CEO, HIP Network | Sherman Hospitality
Michael Stevens, AiCPExecutive Director, Capitol Riverfront BID
Katie StrattonSenior Consultant, Philanthropy Leadership Council, The Advisory Board Company
Tsunehiko YanagiharaSenior Vice President & General Manager, Washington Office, Mitsubishi International Corporation
David YaoSenior Vice President & General Manager, Council for International Cooperation
Deborah ZiskaChief of Press & Public Information, National Gallery of Art Press Office
emerita: ellie Harvey
national Park Service liaison to the Board
Jenn Kays
welcome incoming 2014-2015 Members
lisa AbramsDirector of Government Affairs, The Hotel Association of Washington, D.C.
Jeffery BankCEO, The Alicart Restaurant Group
Katy CannonPrinciple, The Cannon Group LLC
Marc HitzigExecutive Director, The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
Chris McGeePartner, Mercer
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Festival StaffDiana Mayhew President
Kimberly Boyd-lewis Director of Operations
lillian iversen Director of Programming
nicole Breslin-Romano Acting Business Manager
Danielle Davis Communications Manager
emily Garber Sponsorship & Marketing Coordinator
Alissa Maru Program Manager
Roz Moore Sponsorship Manager
elissa Staley Program Manager
Remi wallace Program Coordinator, External Relations
Goodwill AmbassadorsJoseph Cooper Senior, George Washington University
Geirrlon Dunn Senior, George Washington University
Chanel Grice Freshman, George Mason University
Farrah Hasnain Senior, George Washington University
Shun ishihata Senior, American University
elena Mattione Master’s Student, American University
Sarah Santana Sophomore, Georgetown University
Marissa Kiyomi Young Sophomore, George Washington University
ConsultantsAbbe Kaufmann Associates
agencyQ
Allison + Partners
CrowdTorch
Behind the Scenes Events, LLC
Ramona Carver
Jeff Dacy
Carol Herwig
JM Best Entertainment, Inc.
Ruby Dichirico King
Linder & Associates
Sue Murphy
Personalized Classics
Sage Communications
Under The Sun Productions
The Webster GroupAnnual Review Contributing Photographers: Rassi Borneo; Capital Bikeshare; Nick Eckert; Embassy of Japan; Ron Engle; Pepe Gomez; Liz Gorman; Farrah Hasnain; Steve Piacente; Margot Smirniotopoulos; Daniel Swartz
Congressional CommitteeRepresentative Ron Barber
Representative Joe L. Barton
Representative Joyce Beatty
Representative Robert A. Brady
Senator Richard M. Burr
Senator Robert P. Casey Jr.
Representative David N. Cicilline
Representative William L. Clay Jr.
Representative Howard Coble
Representative Paul J. Cook
Senator Bob P. Corker
Representative John K. Delaney
Representative Lloyd A. Doggett II
Representative Donna F. Edwards
Senator Michael B. Enzi
Representative Eni F.H. Faleomavaega
Representative Sam Farr
Representative Mike G. Fitzpatrick
Senator Chuck E. Grassley
Representative Ralph M. Hall
Senator Tim P. Johnson
Senator Mary L. Landrieu
Representative Cynthia M. Lummis
Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Representative Mark M. Meadows
Representative Grace Meng
Representative Candice S. Miller
Representative Jim P. Moran Jr.
Senator Lisa Murkowski
Senator Bill Nelson
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
Representative Tom E. Petri
Representative Chellie M. Pingree
Senator Mark L. Pryor
Representative Nick J. Rahall II
Majority Leader Harry Reid
Senator John D. Rockefeller IV
Representative Bobby L. Rush
Senator Charles E. Schumer
Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz
Representative John M. Shimkus
Representative Albio Sires
Representative Paul D. Tonko
Senator Patrick J. Toomey
Representative Rob J. Wittman
Representative Frank R. Wolf
Representative Todd C. Young
National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review 3
Nurturing a Legacy and Lasting ImpactThe National Cherry Blossom Festival is dedicated to engaging the community in fresh and innovative ways each year. By providing entertaining events and unique cultural experiences, it creates a lasting and positive impact on the Washington, DC community and nation. In 2015, an emphasis centered on our green world will emerge, as the Festival focuses on parks, gardens, and green spaces from March 20 through April 12. We will continue to invite guests to Step into Spring, making Washington, DC a leading global travel destination, welcoming millions to enjoy the nation’s greatest springtime celebration for years to come.
lOOKinG FORwARD
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.
National Cherry Blossom Festival 1250 H Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005202.661.7585
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org