Join the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Petal Porch Parade

A cherry blossom adorns a Broyhill Crest neighborhood sign in Annandale.

Since the Cherry Blossom Parade is another casualty of the COVID pandemic, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is encouraging people in the Metro D.C. area to decorate their porches and yards instead to “help spread joy to your neighbors.” 

The Petal Porch Parade will take place from March 20 until April 11. 

To participate, register your Petal Porch and give your design a cute name. The National Cherry Blossom Festival website has a map with the locations of all Petal Porches, so you can walk or drive around to see them. 

The Petal Porch map shows several people in the Annandale/Mason District area have already signed up:

• Pink, Pink, I’m in the Pink – a pink blossom design made of found items, 8253 The Midway, Annandale.
• Hare’s Hill Hootnanny – a display commemorating a former rabbit community, 7011 Donna Circle, Annandale.
• Pretty in Pink – illuminated cherry blossoms, 7215 Carol Lane, Falls Church.
• Once and Flor-al – a yard and porch display at 6556 River Tweed Lane, Lincolnia. 

During the weekend of April 10-11, a Petal Procession will drive through select Petal Porch Parade neighborhoods in and around D.C. in vehicles decorated by local artists. The more Petal Porches in a neighborhood, the more likely the Petal Procession will cruise by. 

Register by March 15 and you’ll receive a yard sign for your display. You don’t need a porch to participate; you can decorate your yard, window, or sidewalk. Decorations should have a cherry blossom, pink, or springtime theme. Check out the Petal Porch videos for ideas. 

Share the joy on social media with these tags: @CherryBlossFest,  #PetalPorchParade.