Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Branch Brook Park in Essex County, New Jersey (which is located in the cities of Newark and Belleville) is gearing up for its annual cherry blossom festival which is held in April of each year. The pink and white cherry blossoms, which were planted in a style reminiscent of a Japanese garden, bloom for about 3 weeks each April. Branch Brook Park was the first County Park opened to the public in the United States, which is a reason to visit in and of itself. The annual event, which began in 1976, was started by Essex County’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. This year’s festival will be held from April 15 through Sunday, April 22, 2007.

Festival events include the following:

Essex County Cherry Blossom Run – April 15, 2007, Children’s Fun Run 9:00 a.m.; 10K Run at 10:00 a.m.; and a run for the disabled at 10:10 a.m. at the Branch Brook Park Visitors Center – North Branch Brook Park Drive above Heller Pkwy. (Registration required. For more information or to sign up, call 973.268.3500 ext. 234)
2007 Cherry Blossom Gala – Tuesday, April 17, 2007. A fund raising event, highlighting the newest Park renovations, in support of the restoration of Essex County Branch Brook Park. To date, the Alliance has raised more than $5 million. The Gala will feature guided trolley tours of the Park, dinner, and a silent auction where guests can bid on an array of unique items and special events. Naninas in the Park, 540 Mill Street, Belleville. Tickets are $300 and up.

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Trolley Tours
5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Cocktails
6:30 p.m. - Program and Dinner
Essex County Cherry Blossom Concert – Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Belleville Public Library, 221 Washington Ave., Belleville, NJ. Free Admission. (For more information, call 973.450.3434)
Essex County Cherry Blossom Bicycle Tour – Saturday, April 21, 2007 from 8:00 a.m. Branch Brook Park – Heller Pkwy. & Lake Street (For more information or to sign up call 732.687.7730)
Essex County Cherry Blossom Bloom Festival – Sunday, April 22, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. A family day filled Japanese cultural activities, demonstrations, performances, arts and crafts, rock climbing, spin art, and participation from community partners including The Newark Museum. This year’s event will include a kite festival in the Middle Division Ball Fields and boating in the Southern Division by the Lions. Free Admission. Branch Brook Park Visitors Center. (For more information call 973.268.3500 ext. 4)