(Washington, DC) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has provided the following information about events scheduled in the District of Columbia this weekend. In conjunction with these events, there will be several street closures and parking restrictions that travelers should take into consideration. Also, the surrounding areas and streets leading to the following events may be closed or affected as well:

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

On Saturday, April 9, 2011, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will take place. The street closures for rehearsal will begin at 4:00 am:

• 7th Street between Independence Ave SW & Pennsylvania Ave NW
• Constitution Ave between 6th & 9th Streets NW

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade road closures will begin at 8:30 am with the parade beginning at 9:45 am:

• 7th Street & Constitution Ave to 17th Street & Constitution Ave, NW

All roads are expected to reopen by 2:00 pm.

51st Annual Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival

On Saturday April 9, 2011, The 51st Annual Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival will take place from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Street closures will begin Friday, April 8, 2011 at 8:00 pm:

• Pennsylvania Ave from 9th Street to 14th Street, NW

All roads are expected to reopen by 11:00 pm on Saturday night, April 9th.

Walk for Hope

On Sunday, April 10, 2011, the Walk for Hope will take place from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The event takes place on the sidewalks of the National Mall area, however the following will be closed from 10:00 pm Saturday, April 9th until 5:00 pm Sunday, April 10th, 2011:

• 300 block of Pennsylvania Ave., NW

There will be approximately 475 walkers in the event.

Movie Premiere: “The Conspirator”

On Sunday, April 10, 2011 there will be a Movie Premiere for “The Conspirator” at Ford’s Theater. In conjunction with this event the following will be closed:

• 10TH Street between E & F. Street, NW will be closed from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

The above streets will be closed to motorists during the specified date and times.

Due to the extremely heavy pedestrian crowds associated with these events, motorists are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when traveling in these areas. In addition, those wishing to attend these events are encouraged to use public transportation.

Note: The surrounding areas and streets leading to these events may be closed or affected as well.

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