Cherry Blossom Festival

          The National Capital Region (NCR) sponsors and conducts numerous national celebrations, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, Independence Day and Presidential anniversary wreath-layings at the Thomas Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials and the Washington Monument. It sponsors the National Christmas Pageant of Peace and other events of national and international importance.
          A total of 11 concessioners at 40 locations in the parks offer services to visitors such as sightseeing transportation, golf courses, tennis courts, several marinas, ice skating rinks, horseback riding facilities and food services. Total gross receipts approximate $40 million annually.
          Youth employment programs operating within NCR include the D.C. Summer Youth Employment Program, which brings approximately 130 young employees into 39 worksites each summer; the D.C. Stay-in-School program for 30 enrollees, and the Youth Conservation Program for 60 participants at 12 parks. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) provides volunteers who contribute to research, resource management, visitor services and maintenance programs.