2009 Community Outreach and Programming Initiatives

Branch Brook Park Alliance (BBPA) is proud to showcase the following activities and events in partnership with Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and in collaboration with numerous other organizations and sponsors. 

2009 CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

2009 Essex County Cherry Blossom 10K Run
Date: Sunday, April 5
Time: 7:30 am registration (fees apply)
Run through the Park in this USATF-sanctioned race. Plus, invite the family for the Children's Fun Run designed for ages 12 and younger. A portion of the fees will be donated to Special Olympics. Sponsored by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. For more information or to register, please call (973) 268-3500 ext. 254 or visit www.essexcounty.org.

2009 Branch Brook Park Alliance Cherry Blossom Gala
Date: Tuesday, April 14
Time:5:30 pm - 10 pm
Tickets required
Dinner, entertainment, trolley tours and a silent auction at Nanina's in the Park restaurant in Belleville. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (973) 268-2300.

2009 Essex County Cherry Blossom Bicycle Tour
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time:Various races will be run from 7 am to 1 pm (fees apply)
Race through the cherry tree groves in a cycling tradition or cheer on the cyclists while enjoying a day in the Park. For more information or to register, please call (973) 268-3500 ext. 254 or visit www.essexcountynj.org

Essex County Nature Photography Workshop
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time:9 am to 1 pm
Fee:$35. Pre-registration is required.
Join Brien Szabo as he leads an indoor/outdoor photography workshop focused on the County's historic cherry tree collection. For more information or to register, please call (973) 239-7072 or visit www.essexcountynj.org

2009 Essex County Bloomfest
Date: Sunday, April 19
Time:11 am to 5 pm
Enjoy a free, family-friendly festival in the Park. A daylong schedule of events is planned, featuring Japanese cultural activities, including demonstrations on origami, bonsai, ikebana, and dance. For more information or to register, please call (973) 239-2485 or visit www.essexcountynj.org

Cherry Blossom Brown Bag Lunch Series
Date: Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17
April 13 and 14: Newark Through the Ages, hosted by Elizabeth Del Tufo, NewarkTours.com
April 15: Flowering Cherries for the Home Landscape, hosted by Kathleen Salisbury, Horticulturist, Essex County Department of Parks
April 16: TBD
April 17: History of Essex County Branch Brook Park, hosted by Kathleen Galop, author Branch Brook Park
Time:12:15 pm to 12:50 pm
Place:Essex County Cherry Blossom Welcome Center (north of Heller Parkway, past the tennis courts)
Bring your lunch and enjoy a free series of 35-minute presentations on a variety of topics focused on Newark, Essex County Branch Brook Park and Cherry Blossoms.
Note: Topics are subject to change.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fishing and Boating Derby
Date: Saturday, May 9
Time:9 am to 10 am, mandatory registration: 10 am - 1 pm, activities
Location:Prudential Lions in Southern Division
The family-friendly day provides a slew of activities including boating (authentic gondola, pedal boats, kayaks), fishing and face painting, as well as additional interactive activities and prizes. The derby is open to children ages 6 - 15. Fishing equipment and food will be provided for participating children.

Farmers’ and Community Market
Date: Fridays, July 10 to October 9, 2009
Time: 9 am to 10 am, mandatory registration: 10 am - 1 pm, activities
Location: Clifton Avenue entrance, across from the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
The Farmers’ and Community Market brings fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, plants and locally produced goods directly to the consumer. The market also offers wellness information with a focus on fitness and nutrition.

Movies Under the Stars
Date: Fridays, July 10, 17, 24, 31
Time: 9 am to 10 am, mandatory registration: 10 am - 1 pm, activities
Location: North of Ballantine Gates, inside the Park
Family friendly movies and festivities – lineup to be announced

For more details or to register for tours, please visit www.BranchBrookPark.org or www.EssexCountyNJ.org

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