Wednesday, March 25, 2026 n www.TheObserver.com n Volume CXXXVIII, Issue No. 46 w
UNDER THE COVER NAPD hauls yet another gun off the streets Page 3
BELLEVILLE n BLOOMFIELD n EAST NEWARK n HARRISON n KEARNY n LYNDHURST n NORTH ARLINGTON n NUTLEY
TIS THE SEASON TO BE CHERRY As spring arrives, Essex County gears up to celebrate at Branch Brook Park
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
C
herry Blossom season is here — and this year promises to be more exciting than ever before. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. recently outlined a schedule of events for the 50th Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, set for Saturday, April 4 to Sunday, April 19. He highlighted the blooming season for the 5,300 Cherry Blossoms in Essex County Branch Brook Park, which traverses Belleville and Newark. The county executive also welcomed RWJBarnabas Health as a gold sponsor for a second year. “For half a century, our Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival has brought together our local community, provided the public with exciting ways to enjoy the colorful display of our blooming Cherry Blossom groves and attracted attention from around the globe. We are proud to continue this tradition
Essex County photo
Dignitaries, including Belleville Mayor Michael A. Melham, left, and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., gathered last week at Branch Brook Park to announce plans for the 2026 Cherry Blossom season.
and invite you and your family to experience this natural wonder that is even larger than the display in Washington, D.C.,” DiVincenzo said. “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 bloom-
ing trees in a variety of ways. “We have an exciting lineup of activities where visitors can admire the beauty of the trees, learn about the history of our parks system and engage in Japanese cultural demonstrations. The blossoming trees create a pink and white canopy that is perfect for picnics, photographs
and simple enjoyment.” EVENT GUIDE Cherry Blossom Challenge Annual Bike Race Race through Branch Brook Park in the Cherry Blossom Challenge, a competitive New Jersey tradition, or cheer on 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. Saturday, April 4, from 7 a.m., Park Oval Division, Newark. Cherry Blossom 10K Run Runners make their way through Branch Brook Park. A portion of the race proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. Register 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. Sunday, April 12, from 8 a.m., Branch Brook Park Welcome Center. 1-Mile Fun Run and Walk Celebrate the arrival of spring and get fit with family or friends. Children are encouraged to run individually or as a member of a school
See BLOSSOMS, Page 4