America to vote for its favorite cherry tree

In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gave Washington, D.C. 3,000 cherry trees to denote the friendship between the United States and Japan. Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates this gift with the nation's greatest springtime celebration. Now, 100 years later, the flowering cherry tree remains an American favorite. In honor of the Festival's Centennial Celebration, all Americans are invited to cast their vote for America's Favorite Cherry Tree, with the winner announced April 27.

“America’s Favorite Cherry Tree,” an online poll launched today by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Cherry Blossom Festival, allows all Americans to participate in the Festival’s Centennial Celebration by casting their vote for one of three finalists: the Yoshino, Kwanzan or Autumn Flowering cherry tree.

The poll can now be accessed at arborday.org. On the website, participants can also purchase individual cherry trees, with a portion of every sale benefiting the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This year’s Festival commemorating the 100-year anniversary of Tokyo’s gift of cherry trees to Washington, DC, begins on March 20, 2012.
Results of the online voting will be announced on April 27, 2012. April 27th is National Arbor Day and the last day of this year’s festivities.

“By voting in the poll and purchasing a cherry tree, Americans can bring the Centennial Celebration to both their computer and backyard,” said Diana Mayhew, president of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

“We’re thrilled to add a new chapter to this great American tradition,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “With this year’s poll and the availability of online cherry tree purchases, Americans can take part in this historic event even if they are unable to travel to the nation’s capital.”

The three finalists, selected by festival and foundation staff, were included in the gift from the mayor of Tokyo in 1912. Since their introduction, they have become favorites along Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin, as well as in yards, parks and neighborhoods across the United States.