WASHINGTON (AP) - An all-day series of performances and food events on Washington's Southwest Waterfront is counting down to a fireworks show for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Continue reading

The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival runs through 9 p.m. Saturday with events between 6th and 9th streets. Officials say the best places to view the fireworks Saturday evening is on the waterfront promenade or from East Potomac Park.

Throughout Saturday afternoon and evening, several stages are featuring performances, including jazz and blues music and Japanese drummers.

On the water, there will be Dragon Boat and sailing demonstrations and a display of boats lit in pink along the dock in the evening.

The cherry blossom festival was extended this year to mark the 100th anniversary of Japan's gift of cherry trees to the United States.