The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the world’s most renowned spring celebrations, attracting over 1.6 million attendees each year. Spanning four weeks, the festival offers a vibrant mix of food, fun, culture, and the iconic cherry blossoms of Washington, DC. From March to April, the city is adorned in pink, showcasing its beauty, and engaging both locals and visitors through award-winning programming.

This year, we partnered with the National Cherry Blossom Festival to support “Kites in the Classroom,” an event designed for 3rd to 5th graders to delve into the art and physics of kite flying through engaging workshops.

TaKeyia Dickens, Community Partnerships Manager with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, emphasized the significance of Pepco’s partnership with the festival. She stated, “It’s important for a company like Pepco to partner with the National Cherry Blossom Festival because were able to give back. This partnership is hardcore with community engagement, it’s hands-on experience, and it’s nice to get out of the office and see what our community has to offer. Our kids are our next generation – so to be able to pour back into them, it’s always a huge plus.”

Students were joined by local kite master, Glenn Davison, and Tokyo-native Master Mikio Toki to design, build, and fly their own kites. Our team was also on-site for the workshops, teaching students about electric safety and STEM concepts like lift generation and drag reduction, making the day both fun and educational.

You can join us this weekend at the Oxon Run Pinknic & Kite Fly on Sunday, April 6. This event offers Ward 8 residents’ family-friendly activities, including food, entertainment, games, and face-painting. It’s a perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the spring weather and engage with Pepco representatives, who will have friendship bracelet crafts for children and energy efficiency information for adults.

Our involvement in these events further highlights our focus on empowering young minds through STEM education, encouraging students to explore the fascinating world of aerodynamics and its applications in the energy sector. And it is a testament to our ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation and support the communities we serve.