2008 Entertainment
This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will feature Mark Indelicato from the hit show Ugly Betty, 14-year-old actress Keke Palmer from Akeelah and the Bee, Broadway star Anwar Robinson from RENT, Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund, Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge, amd Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2008, Caitlin Brunell. Also appearing are characters from Sesame Place including Abby Cadabby, Cookie monster, Grover, Rosita and everyone's favorite - Elmo.Date and Time
Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 10:00 a. m. to noonParade Route
Along Constitution Avenue, NW beginning at 7th Street and ending at 17th Street. The parade passes many Washington, DC attractions - National Archives, the Department of Justice, Smithsonian Museums, the Washington Monument and the White House.Transportation and Parking
This is one of the biggest events of the year and parking is extremely limited. See a guide to parking near the National Mall. The best way to get to the parade is by Metro. The closest Metro stations are Archives/Navy Memorial, Federal Triangle and Smithsonian.Seating and Tickets
Arrive around 9:00 a.m. to stake out your spot. If you would like reserved seating, for $15 you may purchase a reserved grandstand seat. New for 2008, the Festival has teamed up with Madame Tussauds Wax Museum for a special offer including free admission to the museum (April 12-July 31) to all grandstand ticket holders.Following the parade is the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival from 11 a.m. to 6.p.m. Don't miss the biggest Japanese street party in the nation.
See a Gallery of Photos of the National Cherry Blossom Festival
See the schedule of the National Cherry Blossom events
