Cherry Blossom Parade: Performers, Beauty Queens and Giant Balloons Featured

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Marching bands from across the country, as well as beauty queens, celebrity performers and giant helium balloon characters, will be part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday morning on Constitution Avenue NW in downtown D.C.

The parade runs from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday from the National Archives at 7th Street to the Washington Monument, according to Events DC, which is presenting the parade.

Tickets are still available for West End grandstand seating, at $20 to $30, but group ticket sales have ended. To buy individual tickets, click here.

The parade is free for people standing along the parade route on Constitution Avenue between 9th and 15th streets NW. Arrive early for the best views.

This year’s performers include:

• 98 Degrees member and “Dancing with the Stars” winner Drew Lachey
• Grammy nominated country singer Jo Dee Messina
• DC-Native and chart-topping rapper DJ Kool
• Breakout star from the most recent season of “America’s Got Talent” Brian Justin Crum
• R&B singer/songwriter Blu Cantrell
• Vocalist Mari
• Glee star Alex Newell
• Ultra Naté
• Miss America Saavy Shields

For more information from Events DC, click here.

Image: 2016 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade (Events DC)