NORTH FORK, NY — An annual festival favorite returns this weekend as the AgroCouncil presents the 8th Annual Cherry Blossom Petal Walking Tour and 5K Race in Greenport on Saturday, April 20.
Festivities begin at 9 a.m., with the Run for the Petals 5K followed by a medal ceremony for race winners.
Opening day activities also include cherry blossom-inspired crafts for children and a traditional Japanese Kabuki dance performance by Junko Fisher and Japanese Taiko drummers Ryu Shu Kan.
The Cherry Blossom Petal Tour season officially begins Saturday and runs through Mother's Day weekend. depending on tree species and weather conditions.
A free Petal Tour map offered by the AgroCouncil will guide visitors as they embark on a walking tour of Greenport, which boasts more than 300 blooming cherry trees of seven different varieties and is an official Tree City by the National Arbor Day Foundation. said event organizers. .
Proceeds from the Petal Tour benefit the Greenport Village Tree Committee and the Village of Greenport Business Improvement District beautification committee.
The map guides visitors through the main and cherry-lined side streets, inviting them to discover the shops, restaurants, art galleries and other attractions of Greenport's business district. The map includes participating restaurants and shops that will have cherry blossom-inspired drinks, desserts and gifts available for purchase.
The program of the opening day of the events includes:
9 am: Start of National Anthem and 5K race
10:30am: Race ranking awards
11 a.m.: Traditional Japanese drummers and Kabuki dance performance at Third Street Park.
Noon: 2024 The Greenport Cherry Blossom Petal Tour begins at participating businesses. Sample the floral-themed offerings and experience floral-themed art at the festival's interactive art sponsors, North Fork Arts Collective and Veme Studios.
The race is held rain or shine. Runners are asked to pre-register for $30, which includes a t-shirt. The $35 day rate does not include a free t-shirt. To register, click here.
Free maps will be available at all participating businesses as well as at Greenport Village Hall, Floyd Memorial Library and the AgroCouncil information center.
For details about the Petal Tour, including sponsorship opportunities, visit agrocouncil.org or call 631-500-0850. For 5K call Nicki at 631-953-3231.
