| Author |
Message |
    
papayagirl
Citizen
Username: Papayagirl
Post Number: 523
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 1, 2006 - 9:32 pm: | 
|
Next Sunday begins the annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park in Newark. (It runs Apr 9-23). I got the basic info from the website (http://www.branchbrookpark.org/event.htm), but i have a few add'l questions for anyone else that's gone:
- do they monitor the trees throughout the winter/spring to determine when to hold the festival, or is it always the same weekends every year? (seems like it's always the same time, which i don't fully understand since the type of winter it was must surely influence how/when the flowers bloom.)
- will the blooms be at their height if you go for opening weekend, in the middle (Easter weekend), or toward the end (which is when the family-oriented activities are)
- is it the kind of place where you can bring a picnic lunch, and if so, any particular spots that are better than others? |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 1459
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 1, 2006 - 10:38 pm: |
|
Can't answer your first two questions, although I think that they simply aim for the likely window and hope for the best. Since some types of cherry blossoms bloom earlier than others, it tends to work out.
Definitely bring the picnic lunch -- there are many nice groves along the park roads...we just drive until we find something that looks lovely and has parking somewhere in the vicinity.
Keep an eye on the Star Ledger for more information on times and how the blossoms are going, to help you pick a day. |
John James Leuchs Jr
Citizen
Username: Clairvoyant
Post Number: 72
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, April 1, 2006 - 11:28 pm: |
|
The peak varies from year to year. Not all of the trees come out at the same time. After all, there are hundreds. The only places there are more are in Japan. Fun to picnic alongside of the American Japanese families as they enjoy their festival. Most of the trees are on the Belleville end of the park. |
MHCLyons
Citizen
Username: Hamandeggs
Post Number: 238
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, April 2, 2006 - 7:05 am: |
|
Speaking from years of exp as a Wash DC native, I'll tell you one thing about cherry blossoms: there is no peak. It's a myth. If you see the trees on one weekend, they'll tell you that the peak is coming soon. The following week it's too late, so they say. Go when you can and enjoy. |
Amateur Night
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1809
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, April 2, 2006 - 9:00 am: |
|
Also, I have been to the Branch Brook event and it is a zoo. You have to park miles away, the place is jammed, etc. I would storngly recommend going the day before or after the official "festival." The trees are gorgeous but the area, and the organization of the event, is not. |
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page