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Two weeks of events show off Branch Brook Park's flowering trees that now number more than Washington, D.C.
BY TERI GATTO
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
A bike race and two runs kicked off this year's 34th Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival in Newark's Branch Brook Park this weekend. On Sunday morning more than 1,000 youngsters participated in the 1-mile Fun Run and a Run for the Disabled. Later, more than 800 adults and teens took part in the 10-K run.
Designed by the Olmstead Brothers, Branch Brook Park is home to the one of the largest and most varied Japanese cherry tree collections in the world. According to Essex County Executive Joseph DiVencenzo Jr., Branch Brook now has more cherry blossoms than Washington, D.C. "We have 4,100 trees and D.C. has only 3,750," he said.
Among the types of flowering cherry trees found in the park are the Yoshino, Kwanzan, Snow Goose, Higan, Okame and Sargent varieties.
The two-week festival which ends on April 24 will include the Branch Brook Park Alliance Cherry Blossom Gala on Tuesday, April 13 at Nanina's in the Park, and Bloomfest on Sunday, April 18 — a family day featuring cultural events, children's activities, live music, a craft fair and food.
