The U.S. Office of Management and Budget says if a federal shutdown occurs the Cherry Blossom Parade scheduled for this weekend will be canceled, the Post’s Ed O’Keefe reports.
Members of the Gotta Swing & Lindy Hop Dancers dance down the parade route on Constitution Ave. during the 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. (Ricky Carioti - WASHINGTON POST)

The parade is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday on Constitution Avenue between Seventh and 17th streets NW. Cherry blossom festivities run through Sunday.

The government has been preparing workers for the possibility of a shutdown if Republican lawmakers and the Obama administration are unable to reach an agreement by Friday.

Officials have said a shutdown would have widespread impacts in Washington, including the closure of the Smithsonian museums and other tourist sites. The full impact would come Monday with the new workweek.

Transportation agencies are still considering what steps they would take in the face of a shutdown. For example, the Maryland Transit Administration says that its MARC trains and Commuter Bus service would operate as scheduled for the immediate future. However, the MTA would consider operating reduced services if there was a prolonged shutdown, officials said. Virginia Railway Express officials have said they plan to run full service in the event of a shutdown.

A Metro spokeswoman said the transit authority expects to release a statement later Wednesday on its plan.

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