Tag Archives: Spring

National Cherry Blossom Festival 2019

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event which celebrates springtime in Washington, DC as well as the 1912 gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. This year’s festival will be MARCH 20-APRIL 14!

The predicted peak blooming period of the cherry blossoms for this year is APRIL 3-6.

Here are some of the highlights:

Smithsonian Kite Festival – Saturday, March 30, 2019
Washington Monument Grounds (closest metro Smithsonian)
10 am-4:30 pm

Petalpalooza Fireworks Festival – Saturday, April 6, 2019
The Wharf (closest metro Waterfront or L’Enfant Plaza)
12-9:30 pm
Fireworks at 8:30 pm (weather permitting)

Cherry Blossom Parade – Saturday, April 13, 2019
Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, NW  (closest metro Smithsonian)
10 am-12 pm

There are many more great events, visit the festival website for more information.

Helpful links:
Cherry Blossom Festival Website
National Park Service Bloom Watch
Metro Website (use the trip planner feature on this website to find the metro options, taking metro is much better than driving for the festival events)

Photo: National Cherry Blossom Festival 

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 11

What is Daylight Saving Time?

During Daylight Saving Time, clocks are turned forward one hour, effectively moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening. Today, approximately 70 countries worldwide utilize Daylight Saving Time, in at least some portion of the country. The U.S. started observing it in 1918, so it celebrates it’s 100th birthday, this year.

In March, we move the clock forward one hour, losing an hour of sleep. In November, we move the clock back one hour, regaining that extra hour of sleep.

An easy way to remember it is: Spring forward, Fall back.

Before you go to bed on March 10, be sure to set the clocks forward one hour!

Photo: Mark Lee

Daylight Savings Time

During Daylight Savings Time, clocks are turned forward an hour, effectively moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening. Today, approximately 70 countries worldwide utilize Daylight Savings Time in at least some portion of the country.  If you don’t come from one of those countries, I am guessing that the idea may seem strange. Before you go to bed on March 13, be sure to set the clocks forward one hour.

APIA’s 30th Anniversary Cultural Fair

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This year Au Pair in America is 30 years old! As part of our year-long celebration, we are hosting a CULTURAL FAIR at Nationals Park on Sunday, May 1 from 1-4 pm. Bring the kids, friends, neighbors for a day of fun at the Ballpark!  Learn all about different countries and explore the Ballpark when a game isn’t taking place. The event is FREE and Parking is FREE! More details to come.

APIA au pairs from around the world will present cultural information about their home countries through exhibits, costumes, music and dancing, and much more. This video from APIA’s 25th Anniversary Cultural Fair gives you a glimpse of our amazing au pairs and their many countries.