Cherry Blossoms Hit Full Stride At Essex County Park – Newark, NJ Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — It’s here, Essex County: peak bloom for the cherry blossom trees at Branch Brook Park.

A highly anticipated annual display that some call “the most diverse in the world” has hit full stride in Essex County, park officials declared in a social media post on Monday.

What’s so special about the collection of cherry blossom trees at the park, which is located in Newark and Belleville? According to county officials:

“Many of the original Cherry Trees planted in Branch Brook Park were donated to the Essex County Park System by the Bamberger and Mrs. Felix Fuld family in 1927. At its height, there were about 2,500 Cherry Trees in Branch Brook Park. According to the Branch Brook Park Alliance, the original Cherry Trees began to die because of old age and, in 2006, it was determined the original collection had diminished significantly. County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. kicked off an aggressive planting program to strengthen and expand the number of cherry trees. To date, there are more than 5,000 cherry blossoms throughout Branch Brook Park.”

History, driving directions, a complete list of activities and a webcam where the public can monitor the cherry trees can be accessed by visiting www.essexcountynj.org/branch-brook-park.

FAMILY DAY, HEALTH FAIR

As part of this year’s festivities, Essex County will hold a Family Day and Health Fair at the park on Saturday, April 9. It will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Prudential Concert Grove between Clifton Avenue and Park Avenue in Newark.

According to a news release, the event will include games, prizes and other entertainment.

Health services available will include blood pressure, lead, dental screenings, COVID-19 test kits, WIC registration and blood donation.

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is returning for 2022 after a two-year break because of the coronavirus pandemic. It will take place in Branch Brook Park, which is located in Newark and Belleville.

This year’s festival includes several free events, which will conclude with a family-friendly day of activities dubbed “Bloomfest” on Sunday, April 10. Read More: Popular Essex County Fest Will Include 5,000 Cherry Blossom Trees