VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Big crowds came out to Red Wing Park in Virginia Beach on Saturday for the final day of the city's Cherry Blossom Festival.
After a heavy rain and high winds forced the week-long festival to cancel its first two days, the weather continued to remain a challenge, organizers tell News 3.
“Thursday, if you had been out here with all the rain, you would not believe that we have an event today," said Amy Woodson, Supervisor for Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, which organizes the event. "The grounds were underwater, but we’re so happy that on the final day of the festival we have beautiful weather. We have a great audience coming in.”
And dozens of cars were pulling into Red Wing Park as soon as the festival opened at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The park has been home to more than 150 Yoshino cherry trees since 2005. The trees were given as a gift to Virginia Beach from its Sister City, Miyazaki City, Japan.
”This event is 19 years old. It was started by Dr. Hamada, who is with our Miyazaki Sister City," said Woodson. ”He came out and had a little demo in the front parking lot with a few people, and over the years, we have just continually grown.”
The Cherry Blossom Festival was originally one day, but expanded to a full week during the COVID-19 pandemic; a change that has been made permanent.
Experts say the trees usually remain in bloom around ten days total. Visitors are typically seen bringing their families and pets for a stroll through the long line of cherry trees. Many take the opportunity to take pictures.
The Cherry Blossom Festival also includes vendors, food trucks, musicians and martial arts demonstrations.
