John Aaron, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – The blossoms are already gone, but the beautiful weather made for a perfect backdrop at the National Cherry Blossom Parade Saturday afternoon.

With the sun shining down on Constitution Avenue, thousands of spectators watched marching bands, color guards, and groups of children make their way down the parade route. Classic cars, horse-drawn carriages, floats and balloons populated the street, with giant inflatable Kermit the Flog and Bugs Bunny making appearances.

Some unusual acts included dozens of people riding together on unicycles, and an army of street-sweepers complete with their specialized vehicles.

ABC’s Katie Couric and Jeopardy’s Alex Trebek co-hosted the parade, and loudspeakers blared with news that temperatures were close to 80 degrees as the festivities drew to a close. Singer Marie Osmond served as the honorary marshal.

Since the bloom came early this year, the only blossoms in view were the enormous pink balloons being walked down the street in the parade, but few seemed to mind.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs through April 27.

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