Spring has arrived in our area, and that means it’s time for the annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival! The festival—hosted by The Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs—has been around for 48 years and begins this weekend. From Saturday, April 6, to Sunday, April 14, you can enjoy a wide range of fun events and activities for all ages that celebrate the beauty of the 5,300 cherry blossom trees in the area.
Visitors can look forward to a fantastic lineup of activities, including an opportunity to admire the beauty of the trees, learn about the history of our Parks System, and engage in Japanese cultural demonstrations.
“We invite the public to come out and enjoy our display of 5,300 trees, which is larger than the national display in Washington, DC, and the most diverse collection in the world,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival Lineup
Cherry Blossom Challenge Annual Bike Race
Saturday, April 6, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Essex County Branch Brook Park, Heller Parkway
Race through Branch Brook Park in the Cherry Blossom Challenge, a competitive New Jersey tradition, or cheer on the cyclists while enjoying a day in the fresh spring air. Various races occur throughout the morning, with the first race at 7 a.m. and the last at noon. Registration fees apply to racers. It’s free to enter the park and watch. The Cherry Blossom Challenge Bike Race will be held as follows:
Cherry Blossom 10K Run
Sunday, April 7. Registration is at 8 a.m.: 10K Race at 10 a.m.
Essex County Branch Brook Park, Cherry Blossom Welcome Center
The Cherry Blossoms provide a beautiful canopy for runners as they make their way through Branch Brook Park. A portion of the race proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. Advanced registration is recommended and can be done at www.compuscore.com. Same-day registration begins at 8 a.m. Race starts at 10 a.m. It’s free to enter the park and watch.
1-Mile Fun Run and Walk
Saturday, April 13. Registration is at 9 a.m., and the race is at 10 a.m.
Essex County Branch Brook Park, Southern Division, Prudential Concert Grove
Get fit with your family or friends while celebrating the arrival of spring! Children can run individually or as members of a school team. Schools and groups must register in advance by contacting Jacquelyn Matthews. This is a free event. All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt while supplies last.
Essex County Family Day
Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Essex County Branch Brook Park, Southern Division, Prudential Concert Grove
Enjoy an afternoon of family fun with various events, including live performances, children’s activities and more! Bring a picnic lunch or purchase food from vendors who will be on-site and enjoy the picturesque views overlooking the lake. Admission is free, but food and other merchandise will be for sale.
Bloomfest
Sunday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Essex County Branch Brook Park, Northern Division, Oval
Heller Parkway. Second Stage: Southern Division, Prudential Concert Grove
Enjoy a family day in the pink park! A packed schedule of events includes cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, a crafter’s marketplace, food and more at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center. Enjoy more music at Prudential Concert Grove in the Southern Division of the park. Admission is free; food and merchandise will be for sale.
Cherry Blossom Talks
Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 11 a.m.
Saturdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 11 a.m.
Essex County Branch Brook Park, Cherry Blossom Welcome Center
These 30-minute talks will include information about the history of cherry blossom trees in the United States, the types of trees used, how they have been incorporated into the landscape, and some exploration of their meaning. No reservations are needed.
Historic Tours by Cell Phone
This free, self-guided historic walking tour can be accessed by cell phone or smartphone all season long. Spend the day exploring all 72 tour stops, or pick and choose your favorites. One call to 973-433-9047 or a scan of the bar code at each tour stop unlocks a world of park history and horticultural information. The tour is now available in Spanish.
Visit www.essexcountynj.org/branch-brook-park to access the history of the event, driving directions, a complete list of activities, and the Bloom Watch webcam, where you can monitor the cherry trees for the peak of the bloom season.
I never miss it! This year’s lineup is looking great.