The Weekender: Cherry Blossom Festival this Weekend!

Here are just a few events happening in the area this weekend. Click on
"events" on the homepage to see more.

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Nutley Little Theater, 47 Erie Pl, Nutley
WHEN:   Evening performances are at 8pm on April 13, 14*, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28. Matinees are 2pm on April 15, 22 and 28.
WHY GO:  In the mountains of Connemara, County Galway, unfolds this darkly comic tale of Maureen Folan, a plain and lonely woman in her early forties. Mag, her manipulative, aging mother, interferes in Maureen's first and possibly final chance for a loving relationship, setting in motion a train of events that leads inexorably towards the play's terrifying dénouement.
COST:  $15

WHAT: 
WHERE:  Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad Street, Bloomfield
WHEN:  Friday   11am
WHY GO:   Do you knit, crochet, needlepoint, quilt?  Then come to the
Bloomfield Public Library Friday mornings and share your patterns & techniques with other crafters!   Beginners welcome! 

WHAT:
WHERE: Senior Citizens Building, Belleville
WHEN: Friday, 12:30 p.m.
WHY GO: Belleville Seniors meet every Friday, with coffee, buns and
bingo following. The Club offers trips to Atlantic City, parties and more. New members are always welcome.

WHAT: 
WHERE:  Westminster Arts Center, 449 Franklin St, Bloomfield
WHEN:   Friday  8pm
WHY GO: The show is about roots—the roots of the dance, the power of the music and the individuality and creative need for each person to express themselves and find their passion.
COST:   $25

WHAT:  
WHERE:    Brookdale Park, Bloomfield
WHEN:  Saturday -  Registration begins at 8:15, Race begins at 10am
WHY GO:  The Arc of Essex County is a private, non-profit agency for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Essex County and surrounding areas. For more information about the Run/Walk, including participation and opportunities to sponsor the event, contact Kristy Hartman at (973) 535-1181, ext. 1224 or khartman@arcessex.org
or visit www.arcessex.org. Amenities include t-shirts for participants (while supplies last), food and beverages, music and awards. The course is USATF certified.
COST:  $25  (free to come to park & watch)

WHAT:  
WHERE: Belleville Park, Belleville
WHEN: Saturday  9am – 3pm
WHY GO:  Camp Director Coach Moss, along with local high school and youth football coaches are proud to put on a youth football camp focusing on the techniques and fundamentals needed to succeed at the youth level and to help players learn and prepare to play football. Aside from learning the game of football, special guests talk to the players each day about football, life, and why playing youth football is important.
COST: $10.00

WHAT:
WHERE: 41 Broughton Ave., Bloomfield
WHEN: Friday, 8:30 p.m.
WHY GO: Great variety of songs and talent.

WHAT:   
WHERE:  Newark Symphony Hall, 1030 Broad St, Newark
WHEN:  Friday  5pm to Midnight
WHY GO:  Line dancing lessons, raffles, prizes, food & drink available for purchase, and more!
COST:   $5

WHAT:
WHERE: Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad St., Bloomfield
WHEN: Saturday, 10 a.m.
WHY GO: Challenge your chess skills and have fun!

WHAT:  
WHERE: 5 Washington Street, Newark
WHEN: Saturday   9am – 5pm
WHY GO:  Hardcover and paperback books, magazines, posters, VHS tapes, CD's & DVDs for children and adults. Wide selection and great prices. All proceeds from the sale are used to support the Newark Public Library's programs and collections.

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Prudential Center, Newark
WHEN:    Saturday   5pm – 7:30pm
WHY GO:  Bring your groom with you to speak with bridal professionals who will answer all your wedding planning questions on site, book with you directly, and set you up for the wedding of your dreams. Visit with florists, caterers, dj’s, photographers, videographers, wedding planners, and more! See the latest in bridal fashion and register to win great prizes
COST:  $12   Price includes tickets to the Nets vs. Celtics game

WHAT: 
WHERE:  St. Mary’s,  17 Monsignor Owens Pl, Nutley
WHEN:   Sunday   8:30am – 2pm
WHY GO:    Help save a life!  The Blood Center of New Jersey’s Bloodmobile will be parked in front of the church.

WHAT:  
WHERE: Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center, 240 Belleville Ave, Bloomfield
WHEN: Sunday   4pm – 6pm
WHY GO: The fundraising event hosts between 15 and 20 area restaurants that supply tasty samplings of their daily menus. It is a great way to try that restaurant in town that you have never gotten to visit
COST:  $25 in advance, $30 at the door

During the Cherry Blossom Festival you can run, walk or ride! Any way you do it you will have fun!

ONE MILE FUN RUN/WALK
WHEN: Saturday, April 14, 8am Registration; 10am Race
WHERE: Southern Division, Branch Brook Park
WHY GO:  Celebrate the arrival of spring and get fit with your family. Register for a fun one-mile run/walk through the Southern Division of Branch Brook Park and through the newest groves of cherry trees. All children will receive a commemorative t-shirt. 
  Click here for registration forms.

TROLLEY TOURS
WHEN: April 14 – April 21   Sunday – Friday, 12noon – 4pm, Saturday, 10am – 4pm
WHERE: Cherry Blossom Visitor’s Center, Extension
COST: $5 per person. Reservations required.  Call 973-268-3520
WHY GO:  Hop on our trolley and enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of Essex County Branch Brook Park!

CHERRY BLOSSOM 10K RUN
USATF New Jersey Masters Women’s Championship
WHEN: Sunday, April 15, 8am Registration; 10am Race Start
WHERE: Cherry Blossom Visitor’s Center
COST: $18 Pre-Registrants; $16 USATF-NJ Member Pre-Registrants; $20 General
WHY GO: Race through the historic cherry tree groves in this USATF-sanctioned race! The first 500 registrants will receive a commemorative Cherry Blossom 10K Run long sleeved t-shirt. The top three finishers in each age category will receive a commemorative fleece jacket. A portion of the race proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. Same day registration begins at 8am. Advanced registration is recommended. Race starts at 10am. Disabled Run starts at 10:10am. The health and wellness expo will open at 9am and remain open until the awards ceremony concludes. Free to enter the Park and watch!

WHAT: 
WHEN:  Sunday 11am – 5pm
WHERE:  Branchbrook Park
WHY GO:  Enjoy a family day in New Jersey’s pinkest park! A packed schedule of events includes Japanese cultural demonstrations, children's activities, live music, a crafter's marketplace, food, and more.   Click here for Bloomfest Brochure