On a Saturday in early April I woke up at the La Casa Shelter in Northwest, looking for something to do. I suddenly remembered the Cherry Blossom Festival was opening, so I purchased a camera and walked down 14th Street.
When I reached Pennsylvania Avenue the sight was one to see. Japanese merchants of all kinds were set up in the middle of the avenue, and the streets were filled with pedestrians – and no cars.
This was the kickoff to a month-long celebration of when the cherry blossoms reach their peak. I got to Ninth and Constitution just in time for the parade to begin. As the lead motorcade rolled by people cheered and snapped photos. The sun was shining and the wind was blowing steadily. It would have been perfect if the temperature had cooperated (it was chilly!) but undeterred we counted down to the start of the parade.
I was impressed by some of the Mustang Club’s classic cars – Mustangs like the Shelby catch my eye all the time. When I was younger I dreamed of owning one.
I was treated to the musical stylings of the Ballou Knights high school marching band. I played bass drum for Anacostia Senior High School and it took me back seeing their performance. As the band marched away I thought about exactly how many people in this crowd are like me. I couldn’t tell; it was as if homelessness died, and out came this huge gathering where any and everybody could attend.
One by one the floats, bands, and dance teams displayed why they were chosen to be there. Even the cast of “Chicago” put on a great performance. We danced and clapped our hands as Thelma Huston blessed us with her beautiful voice.
But again I still felt kind of out of place. I was sociable and it seemed we were having a great time. I snapped photos and took in each display.
I was impressed – a lot of hard work went into the parade. It was so much fun that I couldn’t help but write about it. For two hours I didn’t have to worry about homelessness or even being homeless. It was all about the next drum roll or the next balloon.
I hope some of you got to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival. It is a beautiful event that every person on this planet should be blessed to be a part of.
