34th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Essex County Branch Brook Park

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

MEDIA ADVISORY:

WHAT:

The 34^th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival will celebrate the arrival of spring below a canopy of pink and white blossoms from the newly completed collection of 4,000 cherry blossom trees. The two week festival runs from April 10 until April 25 and features the Cherry Blossom Gala, bicycle tours, fun run, lecture series and a nature photography workshop. The highlight of the festival, Bloomfest!, is a family day in the park underneath the blossoms that includes cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, crafters’ marketplace, food and more. Prudential is the marquee sponsor of the event.

This year’s festival also highlights the completion of a multi-year project to replenish Essex County Branch Brook Park’s cherry tree collection. The collection of more than 4,000 trees is greater than the Tidal Basin’s in Washington, D.C. The trees were planted throughout the park along the narrow stream valley and lake edge creating a naturalistic setting that mimics the planting found in their native Japan.

WHERE:

Essex County Branch Brook Park
Newark, NJ

WHO:

The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is hosted by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Branch Brook Park Alliance.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

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. Registration fees apply to racers. It’s free to enter the park and watch.

Date:		Saturday, April 10, 2010
Time:		7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Place:		Essex County Branch Brook Park
		Heller Parkway
		Newark, NJ

10K Run

Run through the cherry tree groves in this USATF-sanctioned race that includes a competitive 10K Run, a 1-Mile Children's Fun Run and a Race for the Disabled. A portion of the race proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. Registration fees apply to runners. It’s free to enter the park and watch. The run is sponsored by Aetna.

Date:		Sunday, April 11, 2010
Time:		Registration: 8 a.m.
		Fun Run: 9 a.m.
		10K Race: 10 a.m.
		Race for the Disabled: 10:10 a.m.
Place:		Essex County Branch Brook Park
		Cherry Blossom Welcome Center
		Mill Street
		Newark, NJ

Branch Brook Park Alliance Cherry Blossom Gala

Support the conservancy group that works hand-in-hand with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs by attending their spectacular gala at Nanina's In The Park restaurant, Belleville. Prudential is a sponsor of the Cherry Blossom Gala. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 973-268-2300 or visit www.branchbrookpark.org.

Date:		Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Time:		6 p.m.
Place:		Nanina’s In The Park
		240 Franklin Avenue
		Belleville, NJ

Nature Photography Workshop

The Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs proudly presents a workshop series with the Essex County Nature Photographers to celebrate Essex County Blooms. Learn to photograph cherry blossoms at their peak while enjoying a day in the park! All levels of experience are welcome. Space is limited. Fee: $35 per session. Please call (973) 239-7072 or e-mail khartwyk@parks.essexcountynj.org.

Dates:		Saturday, April 17
Times:		9 a.m.
Place:		Essex County Branch Brook Park
		Cherry Blossom Welcome Center
		Mill Street
		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. Admission is free.

Date:		Sunday, April 18, 2010
Times:		11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place:		Essex County Branch Brook Park
		Cherry Blossom Welcome Center
		Mill Street
		Newark, NJ

Susan G. Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure

Join 10,000 women, men and children in Essex County Branch Brook Park, Newark in the fight against breast cancer in a 5K race/walk. For more information or to register, please call (908) 277-2904 or visit www.komennorthjersey.org.

Date:		Sunday, April 25, 2010
Time:		Registration: 7 a.m.
		Event: 8 a.m.
Place:		Essex County Branch Brook Park
		Heller Parkway
		Newark, NJ

For more information please visit www.branchbrookpark.org or www.essexnjblooms.org