Lulu Press Center

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Calls for Your Best Shot

March 6, 2008 (Washington, D.C.) - The National Cherry Blossom Festival (NCBF) and Lulu.com invite all photographers to participate in the second annual official NCBF Photo Contest from March 31 - April 30, 2008.

Photographers of any skill level are encouraged to submit their photos of favorite Festival events, the many scenic views along the Tidal Basin, and unforgettable moments under Washington’s blossoms at www.lulu.com/blossoms. Lulu.com, the world’s premier self-publishing and print-on-demand Web site, believes in empowering creators and offering photographers, both amateur and professional, the chance to share their content with the world.

This year, winners will be chosen in two different categories: scenic views and Festival activities. 12 winning photos between the two categories will be selected and featured on the 2009 Official NCBF Calendar, which will be available for purchase in a standard 11” x 8.5” size or in a premium 13.5” x 19” size in May at www.lulu.com/blossoms. All of the finalists will receive a copy of the calendar. Of the 12 finalists, one grand-prize winner from each category will be awarded two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines. Out of the two grand-prize winners, one overall winning photograph will be featured on the calendar cover.

Judges from the design, photography and marketing industry will choose the winning entries. Winners will be notified by May 30, 2008, and the list of winners will be posted at www.lulu.com/blossoms.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week, citywide event celebrating spring. The 2008 Festival is March 29 – April 13, and will feature daily cultural performances, sporting events, arts & crafts, demonstrations and other special events. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 96th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan.

###

About Lulu.com: Lulu.com is the premier marketplace for new digital content on the Internet, with over 300,000 recently published titles, more than 4,000 new titles added weekly and nearly 5,200 items sold daily, created by people in 80 different countries. With just over 1.3 million registered members, Lulu is changing the world of publishing by enabling the creators of books, video, periodicals, multimedia and other content to publish their work themselves with complete editorial and copyright control. Lulu empowers these individuals and corporations to create high-quality products to sell directly to their customers and the rest of the Lulu.com marketplace. With storefronts and other marketing support, Lulu creators are fully empowered to profit from their work. For more information on Lulu.com please visit www.lulupresscenter.com.

For schedules and information visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or call the Festival hotline at (877) 44BLOOM.