Cherry blossoms are days away from full bloom

WASHINGTON - The nation's capital is about to turn pink!

The 97th National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off this weekend, and the flowers are almost ready.

The flowering trees along the Tidal Basin will likely reach full bloom in four to six days, according to the National Park Service.

In an effort to reduce traffic and make visitors aware of the 2,500 cherry trees beyond the Tidal Basin, Tourmobile Sightseeing will provide a free Blossom Shuttle between the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Hains Point.

National Park Service Acting Superintendent Stephanie Toothman says the service should help spread out crowds.

Festival-goers are urged to take Metro, but there are three parking lots along Ohio Drive in Southwest for people who have to drive.

For the second year in a row, the Tidal Basin parking lot will be closed to cars. The lot has been converted into one of two festival welcome areas staffed by park rangers, festival employees and volunteers.

The other festival welcome area is near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is from Saturday, March 28 to Sunday, April 12.

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