A behind-the-scenes scoop on National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and Sakura Matsuri

WASHINGTON (7News) — Joy Wang, 7News morning reporter, got a special behind-the-scenes look at the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and Sakura Matsuri street festival. She shared her exciting findings with Good Morning Washington.

Wang spoke with Diana Mayhew, President and CEO of The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, who gave the inside scoop on the details of the parade. Mayhew showcased floats with flowers, intricate designs, and incredible art from locals. “It is a national, international, beloved event. But it definitely has the community involvement," she said.

According to Mayhew, roughly 4,000 students attend the festival each year, and school bands come from across the country to participate in the parade.

Mayhew also noted that Ken Jennings, host of Jeopardy!, will be the parade's grand marshal. He will be partially hosting the event and can be seen walking in the parade this weekend.

Wang was also able to get insight from Ryan Shaffer, The President of the Japanese America Society of Washington, DC. Shaffer shared details about Sakura Matsuri, a Japanese street festival happening alongside the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.

The street festival will welcome traditional Japanese cuisine and cultural events, including sumo wrestling and a Japanese metal band. “This is the largest Japanese culture event anywhere in the country," said Shaffer. "It happens right here in the nation’s capital.”

For more information on the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, visit Nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Purchase tickets for Sakura Matsuri online at Sakuramatsuri.org