Cherry Blossoms Return

With the warm weather some of the trees have already blossomed and Branch Brook officials are recommending a visit now rather than waiting for Bloomfest festivities to begin. The 36th Annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival officially begins April 7th and includes the following events:

NEW Cell Phone Tours: April 1-30 Visitors to Essex County Branch Brook Park can enjoy a self-guided tour by dialing 973-433-9047 and following the prompts or by using their Smart Phone to scan the bar codes at each location to connect to a short history of the park. This new addition to the festival will be available from April 1 to 30. There is no charge for the cell phone tour.

Cherry Blossom Challenge Annual Bike Race - April 7
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. The race is an official NJBA event and a 2012 Garden State Cup event. 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.

Cherry Blossom Festival Fundraiser - April 7
Cheer on the New Jersey Devils as they take on the Ottawa Senators at the Prudential Center and help raise money for the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival. Tickets are $45 for balcony seating and $75 for lower level seating and include a $10 food and beverage card. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the festival. Starts at 3pm at Prudential Center.

Yes! In My Backyard Lecture - April 12
Essex County Branch Brook Park was developed in 1895 and was the first county park created in the United States. Its creation was part of a nationwide movement to create open spaces for preservation and public enjoyment. NJIT Professor Neil Maher will discuss the important place in history that Branch Brook Park holds and the emergence of the urban park movement. Free. 4pm at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center

1-Mile Fun Run and Walk - April 14
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. This is the first time the event will be held in Branch Brook Park's Southern Division in the newly renovated Prudential Concert Grove area. This is a free event. All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Registration starts at 9am, Race at 10am.

Pride of Essex Community Picnic - April 14
The public is encouraged to come out and enjoy an afternoon of family-fun with a variety of events including a fishing derby, carnival games, music and other entertainment, and food. 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. 11am-3pm

Cherry Blossom Trolley Tours - April 14-21
Learn about the history and landscape of Essex County Branch Brook Park in a very special cherry blossom season tour. Tours leave on the hour from the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center and last approximately 45 minutes. Admission is $5 and reservations are required. For information, call 973-268-3520. Hours are Sunday to Friday 12pm-4pm; Saturdays 10am-4pm from Cherry Blossom Welcome Center

Cherry Blossom 10K Run - April 15
Run through the cherry tree groves in this USATF-sanctioned race that includes a competitive 10K Run and a Race for the Disabled. A portion of the race proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. Fees for the 10K Run are $18 if registration is submitted by March 30th, $16 for USATF-NJ members and $20 for registrations made after March 30th. It's free to enter the park and watch. Registration begins at 8am, Race begins at 10am. Cherry Blossom Center.

Bloomfest - April 22
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. 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. Admission is free; food and merchandise will be for sale. 11am-5pm

History, driving directions, a complete list of activities and a web cam where the public can monitor the cherry trees for the peak of the bloom season can be accessed by visiting www.essexcountynj.org and clicking on the Cherry Blossom 2012 logo at the top of the home page. More information can also be obtained by calling 973-268-3500.