Event Recap: National Cherry Blossom Festival
In 2019, RGI won a 10-year contract from the National Park Service to provide broad event services in the region. Through this contract, we are thrilled to be involved in planning large-scale events such as the Fourth of July Celebration, Inauguration, and the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each spring to witness the beautiful cherry blossom trees in full bloom. However, planning for this event can be challenging due to the unpredictable timing of the blossoms. The peak bloom period usually occurs between mid-March and early April, but it is affected by weather conditions. As a result, we need to be flexible and prepared to act at any given moment once March arrives.
To cater to the hundreds of thousands of attendees at the Cherry Blossom Festival each year, meticulous planning is essential – particularly when it comes to food and beverages. This year, the festival featured 14 diverse food trucks, serving delicious options, each offering a menu item inspired by the Cherry Blossom Festival. We also created not one, but two beer gardens featuring a local craft option brewed specifically for the festival.
In the 88-year history of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, this was the first year in which local DC businesses had the opportunity to participate in this national event. Hometown favorites were able to serve up their best for residents and the hundreds of thousands of tourists that made their way to our nation's Capitol.
This is an innovative and unique addition to the festival that speaks to its purpose, getting people outside to enjoy the trees, learn about their importance, and enjoy good company and delicious food!
The two-week stretch of the festival was a huge success, and we cannot wait to do it all again next year!
