ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A springtime spectacle will be returning in Essex County this year: the annual blooming season for one of the largest cherry blossom tree collections in the nation.
More than 5,300 of the fragrant trees will be bursting with color soon in Branch Brook Park, with a popular festival returning there from April 6 to April 14. See Related: Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 (Schedule Of Events)
The cherry blossoms at the county-run park – which is located in Newark and Belleville – have been attracting visitors since they were first planted there in the late 1920s. It’s little wonder why: the collection is even bigger than the national display in Washington D.C.
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Here’s a bit of history behind the cherry blossom grove in Branch Brook Park, 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. Essex 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.”
Branch Brook Park Alliance President Thomas Dougherty said the cherry blossoms and their accompanying festival are an “opportunity to celebrate life.”
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They’re also a way to stimulate the local economy, he said.
“For residents near the park, we have the pleasure to see the park from our windows during all four seasons,” agreed Forest Hills Community Association President Jackie Jay, adding that the annual bloom brings a special element to springtime in Essex County.
New Jersey Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-29) called the county’s annual festival an “investment in the future.”
“This park and the cherry blossoms have been the backdrop for so many different memories for our families,” she said. “But the festival also highlights the importance of preserving open spaces and promoting environmental justice.”
This year’s festival will get a boost from new welcome center at the park, which has an imitation tree that will enable visitors to experience a cherry blossom in bloom with pink petals throughout the year. It’s a “wonderful addition” that is sure to become an integral part of future celebrations, Essex County Commissioner Vice President Tyshammie Cooper said.
Belleville Mayor Michael Melham and Newark Councilman Anibal Ramos were among the other local officials who are excited for this year’s bloom season at Branch Brook.
“The festival provides unique opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the park and is one of the most spectacular events that highlights the county and city,” Ramos said.
The 2024 cherry blossom fest includes a variety of activities that will allow visitors to admire the beauty of the trees, learn about the history of the parks system and engage in Japanese cultural demonstrations, DiVincenzo pointed out.
“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,” the county executive added.
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/branch-brook-park.
The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is hosted by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
The 48th 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 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
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:
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 [email protected]. This is a free event. All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt while supplies last. The Fun Run and Walk will be held as follows:
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:
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. 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:
Cherry Blossom Talks
These 30-minutes talks will include information about the history of Cherry Blossom trees in the United States, the types of trees that have been used, how the trees have been incorporated into the landscape and some exploration behind their meaning. No reservations are needed. The Cherry Blossom Talks will be held as follows:
Historic Tours by Cell Phone
This free, self-guided historic walking tour can be accessed by cell phone or smart phone 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.
Cherry Tree Planting Campaign
The general public and business community can participate in a fundraising campaign to purchase and plant Cherry Trees in Essex County Branch Brook Park. Each new Cherry Tree can be purchased for $225 from the Essex County Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Contributions to the foundation are tax-deductible, checks can be made out to “Essex County Parks Foundation” and mailed to the Essex County Parks Foundation, 115 Clifton Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104. Please write “Cherry Blossom Campaign” on the memo line of the check.
Donations are being recognized in a “Cherry Blossom Giving Tree” located at the entrance of the Essex County Cherry Blossom Welcome Center. Donations of $225 are recognized with a leaf on the Giving Tree and donations of $1,000 or more are recognized with special plaques on the Giving Tree wall. Donors can choose to have their name inscribed on the Giving Tree or make the contribution in memory of a loved one.
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