Fairmount Park's Cherry Blossom Festival Draws Crowds in the Thousands.

Thousands of people attended the 18th annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, despite missing this year's peak bloom by about a week. The festival featured Philly-based bands, cultural music, authentic Japanese food, and a beer garden with a new drink on theme. Most of the cherry blossom trees were planted in 1926 as a gift from Japan on the 150th anniversary of American independence. The festival is a way to bring a bit of Japanese culture to Philadelphia and is a focus on Japanese culture for all to enjoy.