Cherry Blossom Fest ‘Petal Porch’ Winners Announced

The National Cherry Blossom Festival announced the winning entries for the Petal Porches “People’s Petal Porch” competition, honors awarded to the most festive of those who decorated their porches, yards, and windows in all things pink and blossoms to celebrate the return of spring and the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival.

“The goal of Petal Porches is to bring local neighborhoods together to celebrate spring and build community pride during the Festival,” said Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of National Cherry Blossom Festival. “This year’s competition for the People’s Porch Winner was fierce with hundreds of participants in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia taking part in the overall Petal Porches competition.”

Among the winners in 2023 were Ward 6 resident Lauren Stockwell who amazed the judges and passersby with the entry “The House of 1,000 Cranes – Somewhere over the Crainbow,” featuring over 1,000 paper cranes symbolizing hope, healing, and good health.

Here is the list of Petal Porch winners:

• Washington, DC – House of 1,000 Cranes – Somewhere Over the Crainbow (Owner Lauren Stockwell, Ward 6)
• Virginia – VA VA Bloom (Owner Amy Anda from Alexandria)
• Maryland – Sakura Tea Bliss (Owner Theresa Billow-Supple from Columbia)