Chicago’s Cherry Blossoms Will Soon Have Their Moment

By Stephanie Kim
In May, Chicago’s Cherry Blossoms Will Have Their Moment
Buds begin to appear on the cherry blossom trees near the Japanese Garden in Jackson Park. Chicago Park District
In May, Chicago’s Cherry Blossoms Will Have Their Moment
Buds begin to appear on the cherry blossom trees near the Japanese Garden in Jackson Park. Chicago Park District

Chicago’s Cherry Blossoms Will Soon Have Their Moment

By Stephanie Kim
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Every spring, people flock to Washington D.C. or Japan to celebrate hanami — the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing.

This year, cherry blossoms fans in Chicago can have their own hanami experience in Jackson Park. The park is home to about 160 cherry blossoms trees that are expected to hit peak bloom in the first two weeks of May. Staff members of the Chicago Park District have been monitoring the trees every day.

Morning Shift checks in with the park district for an update on the cherry blossoms.

GUESTS: Karen Szyjka, Operations Support Manager, Chicago Park District

Devin Rigolino, Project Manager, Chicago Park District

LEARN MORE: Move over, D.C. — Chicago will have its own cherry blossom season this year (Chicago Tribune 4/24/19)