We are all eagerly awaiting the return of spring and the flowers blooms that appear with the warmer temperatures. Cherry tree flowers are one of our favorites, with colors ranging from subtle whites to vibrant pinks depending on the tree variety. Perhaps the most widely known Cherry Blossom Festival takes place each spring in Washington DC, however Branch Brook Park in our own state of New Jersey actually has more Cherry trees than Washington DC! I came across a really great blog post that has some interesting facts and info on this year’s festival including some great cherry blossom photography tips
Photo by Don Peterson – www.splurgefrugal.com
The festive highlight of the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is a day of live performances and attractions in Branch Brook Park. Bloomfest will be held in Essex County Branch Brook Park, Cherry Blossom Welcome Center Extension, Belleville/Newark. Bloomfest attracts over 7,000 attendees from New Jersey and surrounding metropolitan areas for stage performances, cultural demonstrations, and children’s activities.
The Bloomfest marketplace features crafters and artists selling handmade, cherry blossom themed crafts and products. Bloomfest is held rain or shine. This years’ Bloomfest will feature a packed schedule of events includes the always popular Japanese cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, a crafter’s marketplace, food, and more!
The Cherry Blossom 10K Run begins at The Cherry Blossom Visitor’s Center (Mill Street Entrance, Belleville) with an 8 AM Registration. Enjoy a scenic run through the historic cherry tree groves of Branch Brook Park in this USATF-sanctioned race! The first 500 registrants receive a commemorative Cherry Blossom 10K Run long-sleeved T-shirt. A commemorative fleece jacket is awarded to the top three finishers in each age category. A portion of the race proceeds benefits the Special Olympics. A special Disabled Run starts at 10:00 am. Everyone is invited to Branch Brook Park to witness this exciting race!
Photo by Don Peterson – www.splurgefrugal.com
Essex County Family Day is held on Saturday in Essex County Branch Brook Park, Concert Grove, Southern Division, Park Street Entrance, Newark. This is a free family event! Enjoy an afternoon of live performances, family activities and food vendors. The performance schedule of confirmed acts includes the following:
Hula hooping, paddle boat rides and face painting. Meals and snacks will be offered by a variety of food vendors. Other family activities include a fishing derby, award ceremony and main stage entertainment.
Photo by Don Peterson – www.splurgefrugal.com
Of course, the star attraction of this event will always be the beautifully adorned cherry blossom trees. Japanese cherry blossoms predominate among the more than 4000 cherry blossom trees in the park. Their large white blossoms put on quite a show and are the most prominent feature of the bloom season. However, the addition of flowering Yoshino, Higan and Fuji cherries add blooms that range from pink to white in color. This variety also extends the blooming season to two weeks or more.
Photo by Don Peterson – www.splurgefrugal.com
For a full listing of the festival events please follow this link: