Popular Essex County Fest Will Include 5000 Cherry Blossom Trees – Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — An annual display that an official called “the most diverse in the world” is about to bloom in Essex County.

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 kick off Saturday, April 2 and conclude with a family-friendly day of activities dubbed “Bloomfest” on Sunday, April 10. See the full schedule of events below.

What’s so special about the collection of cherry blossom trees at the park? According to a news release from 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 for the peak of the bloom season can be accessed by visiting www.essexcountynj.org/branch-brook-park.

“The natural beauty of the cherry blossoms has been attracting visitors to the park since they were first planted there in the late 1920s,” DiVincenzo said.

“The festival has helped unify the community, highlighted the benefits of Branch Brook Park and the local neighborhood, and enabled the public to enjoy the blooming trees in a variety of ways,” DiVincenzo said.

“We invite the public to come out and enjoy our display of 5,200 trees, which is larger than the national display in Washington D.C., and the most diverse collection in the world,” he added.

Newark North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. said he took pride in the county’s massive collection, a sentiment shared by Essex County Commissioner Patricia Sebold, who said the park is a “beautiful sight to see during bloom season.”

This year’s peak bloom is anticipated to take place from April 1 to April 5 … just in time for the 2022 festival. Read More: ‘Peak Bloom’ Nears For Cherry Blossom Trees In Essex County

Several other local elected officials said they were looking forward to the annual celebration. They included:

Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz – “Branch Brook Park is a special place for all of us. I am thankful that that the county executive continues to embrace the needs of our families and has added playgrounds and additional fields. We look forward to the community coming out to enjoy the festival this year.”

Belleville Mayor Michael Melham – “The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival brings a lot of visitors to our community each year and spurs economic growth as well. We look forward to being able to experience this festival in person after not being able to do so.”

Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura – “Branch Brook Park is one of the busiest and safest parks. When people come here to enjoy the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival events, it gives them a different perspective on the City of Newark and we are happy to contribute to that.”

The free, family-friendly festival was canceled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. It was held virtually in 2021, although people who wanted to check out the cherry blossom trees in Branch Brook Park were still able to visit and see the spring bloom.

The 46th Annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival includes the following events.

Cherry Blossom Challenge Annual Bike Race

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 race at 12 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:

• Saturday, April 2, 2022
• 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Essex County Branch Brook Park, Heller Parkway, Newark, NJ

Cherry Blossom 10K Run

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. Online registration can be done at www.compuscore.com. Same day registration begins at 8 a.m. Advanced registration is recommended. Race starts at 10 a.m. It’s free to enter the park and watch.

The Cherry Blossom 10K Run will be held as follows:

• Sunday, April 3, 2022
• Registration: 8 a.m.
• 10K Race: 10 a.m.
• Disabled Start: 10:10 a.m.
• Essex County Branch Brook Park, Cherry Blossom Center, Mill Street, Newark, NJ

1-Mile Fun Run and Walk

Celebrate the arrival of spring and get fit with your family or friends. Children are encouraged to run individually or as a member of a school team. Schools and groups must register in advance by contacting Jacquelyn Matthews at jmatthews@parks.essexcountynj.org. This is a free event. All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt. The Fun Run and Walk will be held as follows:

• Saturday, April 9, 2022
• 9 a.m. Registration
• 10 a.m. Race
• Essex County Branch Brook Park, Southern Division, Prudential Concert Grove, Newark, NJ

Essex County Family Day

The public is encouraged to come out and enjoy an afternoon of family-fun with a variety of events including live performances, children’s activities and more. Bring your own 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. The Family Day will be held as follows:

• Saturday, April 9, 2022
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Essex County Branch Brook Park, Southern Division, Prudential Concert Grove, Newark, NJ

Bloomfest

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. Winners from the “Why My Essex County Park is Important to Me” essay contest for 4th graders and Cherry Blossom poster contest for 6th graders will be recognized on stage. Additional musical performances will be held at the Prudential Concert Grove in the Southern Division of the park. Admission is free; food and merchandise will be for sale. Bloomfest will be as follows:

• Sunday, April 10, 2022
• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Essex County Branch Brook Park: Main Area: Cherry Blossom Center, Mill Street, Newark, NJ / Second Stage: Southern Division, Prudential Concert Grove, Newark, NJ

Cherry Blossom Talks

These 30-minutes talks will include information about the history of Essex County Branch Brook Park and its signature Cherry Blossom trees. No reservations are needed. The Cherry Blossom Talks will be held as follows:

• Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2022
• 11 a.m.
• Essex County Branch Brook Park, Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Mill Street, Newark, NJ

Historic Tours by Cell Phone

This free, self-guided historic walking tour can be accessed by cell phone or smart phone. 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.

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