Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park/Newark/NJ
April 15th, 2013 by Mr. C
(Cobu Taiko Drum and Dance Troupe)
It’s always a treat when we stay put on the Jersey side of things instead of venturing out to NYC and such was the case last Sunday with the 37th annual Cherry Blossom Festival held at Branch Brook Park in Newark, NJ! This annual Bloomfest is a special day to celebrate the arrival of spring under the beautiful manicured awning of Cherry trees that are blossoming in their pink petal glory thoughtfully sprinkled throughout the Park. In conjunction with enjoying the beauty of sakura, the festival also embraces Japanese culture with live demonstrations & performances such as Taiko drumming, Traditional Japanese dance, Traditional Tea Ceremony, poetry readings, Samurai arts, Aikido, & Japanese modern/traditional fusion dance. Bloomfest also keeps the children busy by providing the kids with fun activities such as face painting, arts & crafts, kite flying, rock climbing, & bungee cord assisted jumping! Best of all – the Cherry Blossom Festival is FREE!
(10tecomai: Yosakoi Dance project Team)
Graffiti heads and street art aficionados can get their eye candy fix for the art form at the nearby Keystone building, a paperboard box company in the Northeast section of Branch Brook Park. The back of the building of Keystone is where you will find the canvas for the other kind of urban blooming known as aerosol art.
Cherry Blossom Festival or not, Branch Brook Park has to be experienced in order to be appreciated. Did you know that the same conglomerate that designed Central Park & Prospect Park – The Olmsted Firm was commissioned to design Branch Brook Park as well? Go and discover this park in NJ. It’s waiting for you!
(Traditional Japanese Dance)
(Mary Kao teaching the art of origami)
(Bocce being played by the locals at Branch Brook Park)
(Japanese Tea Ceremony)
(the future of Taiko drummers in the making while practicing on the trees!)
(Young ladies promoting Kyoto travel)
(10tecomai: Yosakoi Dance project Team)
(Glass bead blowing)
(Winner of the poster/cherry blossom theme competition)
(Graffiti behind the Keystone Box Company adjacent to the park)
(Ikebana Flower Arrangements)
(Cobu Taiko Drum & Dance Troupe)
(Richard Reiter on the percussions)
Tags: bloomfest, branch brook park, cherry blossom festival
Posted in art, community, mr. c, photos | Comments (0)
