Refund Policy

No refunds

Agenda

9-10:00 a.m. Run a route inspired by Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees

10:00-11:00 a.m. Post-run discussion with author Diana Parsell

About this event

We love our cherry blossom trees, but have you ever wondered how they ended up in Washington, DC? Come learn about the 1800s globe-trotting journalist whose foresight and persistence resulted in an annual scene so beautiful that 1.5 million people travel to see it every year.

On this 3.3 mile, easy-paced run, we’ll start at the gravesite of former First Lady Helen Taft (who played a pivotal role), see the site of the first cherry blossom trees, and end by retracing some of Eliza Scidmore’s steps along 15th Street.

Afterward, we’ll meet author Diana Parsell at Corner Bakery to chat about her book. Copies will be available for purchase and signing.

TICKETS

Equitable tickets are $15. Sliding scale ticket price option for anyone who needs a little extra help right now, no questions asked.

Standard tickets are $25. Standard ticket fee that will help cover our operational costs. Recommended for anyone employed, in a multi-income household, or otherwise has the means.

Pay it forward tickets are $35. If you have a bit more to give, help us continue to provide equitable ticket pricing.

I am requesting you pay via Venmo or Zelle, in an effort to eliminate fees to you and to me. However, if you feel more comfortable booking through Eventbrite, you may do so here.

Venmo: @Chelsey-L-Stone (last four digits of phone number: 2729)

Zelle: [email protected]

MEET: President William Howard Taft Memorial Grave (Google Map) between 8:45-9 a.m. on Sunday, March 29. The program will begin promptly at 9 a.m. You will check in with Chelsey Stone.

ROUTE: We’ll run an easy-paced (~11:00 minute/mile), 3.3-mile route with stops in Arlington Cemetery, the Tidal Basin, and up 15th Street.

PREPARE: As this event is a book club run, it focuses on the plot, characters, and story. Attendees are strongly encouraged to read the entire book, but if time is of the essence, the route is based on: Ch. 6 Potomac Flats, Ch. 8 A Singular Vision, Ch. 10 A Voice for Conservation, and Chs. 16-20. You can check out one of DC’s many amazing bookstores for online and in-person options, or check it out from your local library (digital copies are available at Arlington).

POST-RUN: After the route, we’ll finish at Corner Bakery (Google Map) 10:00-11:00 a.m. to discuss the book with Diana Parsell. (Please be prepared to cover your own coffee/pastries costs.)

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: If weather creates unsafe conditions, we will hold the discussion at Corner Bakery (Google Map) 10:00 a.m. for our author chat. I will inform you no later than (7 a.m.) if an alternate event will take place.

All registered runners will receive reminder details two days prior to the event.