On Wednesday, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia kept the tree tradition alive. During a tree-planting ceremony on the lawn of the Horticultural Center in Fairmount Park, they pledged to plant 250 new Cherry Blossom trees to help Philadelphia celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026, also known as the Semiquincentennial.

It's the official first day of spring, the first day of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and the blossoms are halfway to peak bloom. That means very soon, thousands of people will travel from across the country — even the world — to see the cherry blossoms planted throughout D.

Officials at Cincinnati Parks said the Cherry blossom tree grove at Cincinnati's Ault Park is starting to bloom. Peak bloom time is estimated to be between March 23 - 27. Bloom time lasts about a week. The trees feature pink and white cascading flowers creating a beautiful view for parkgoers.