Race Winners

Overall Winners: The overall champions, siblings Nofar and Aitan Erlichman of Team Jack and Jill, clinched victory in the sixth and final heat, just before storms cut the evening short. Aitan, a college student from Orlando visiting his sister in DC, told 7News, “We warmed up, locked in, and went for it—Nofar kept joking about the cherry trees, but I was like, ‘Focus!’” Their prize? A 2025 Boating in DC Family Season Pass, perfect for more Tidal Basin adventures.

Heat Winners: Each of the four timed heats had its own winner, with each receiving a $50 Boating in DC gift card. One confirmed heat winner was "Team Orange Wine," consisting of Julia Strach from Brandywine, Maryland, and Jessica Crist from Alexandria, Virginia, who celebrated their success in their heat.

Best Costume: An additional $50 Boating in DC gift card was awarded to the team with the best costume.

Notable Contenders:

• "Team Thneed for Speed," sporting Truffula Trees and a Lorax mustache, inspired by Dr. Seuss.
• "Mount Vernon Voyagers," dressed as George and Martha Washington.


• Other creative entries like "The Unicorns" and "Filibuster Floats" were mentioned.,

Without a clear victor identified, it’s possible the award announcement is still forthcoming or was delayed due to the storm-shortened event.

Mayhew and McFly

Diana Mayhew: The Visionary Behind the Festival’s Bloom Leading the charge was Diana Mayhew, President and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, whose passion for uniting DC through springtime joy shone brightly. With over 25 years at the festival’s helm, Mayhew introduced Stumpy’s Petals & Paddles as a tribute to the beloved tree and a fundraiser for the Trust for the National Mall Cherry Tree Endowment Fund, with half the proceeds supporting cherry tree preservation. At the festival’s March 6 press conference, she declared, “Spring in DC is a time of joy and renewal, and this event brings our community together while welcoming the world.” Her leadership drew 1.6 million visitors last year, generating $202 million in spending, and this race promises to boost that legacy. Fun fact: Mayhew’s team is already teasing “new surprises” for next year—could Stumpy’s spirit inspire more?

Tommy McFly: The Voice of the Tidal Basin Adding star power was Tommy McFly, the charismatic News4 reporter and former DC radio personality, who emceed the event with his signature flair. Known for his cherry blossom coverage (he’s tracked Stumpy’s blooms since 2020!), McFly kept the crowd buzzing between heats, hyping teams and sharing Stumpy lore. “This is DC at its best—fun, quirky, and full of heart,” he told attendees, per an X post from a spectator. McFly’s knack for engaging crowds—he once taught viewers to make kites from trash bags for the Blossom Kite Festival—made him the perfect MC to launch this paddle-powered party.

Attendees Weigh In: “A Total Blast!”

Fresh reactions from the crowd paint a picture of pure delight.

• Sarah K., a DC local, posted on X: “Pedal boats, costumes, and cherry trees? I’m obsessed—Stumpy would be proud!”
• Mark T. from Arlington raved to me via a chat, “The energy was electric, even when the rain started. Team Orange Wine killed it!”
• Some grumbled about the early cutoff—@DCTidalFan tweeted, “Storm ruined the finale, but still 10/10”—but most agreed the chaos added charm.
• A family watching from shore told Northern Virginia Magazine, “The kids loved the unicorns and George Washington's racing—it’s our new spring must-do.”