Newark residents flocked outdoors Friday afternoon to enjoy the sunshine and long-awaited seasonal temperatures.

News 12’s Katie Kyros visited Branch Brook Park in downtown Newark to catch up with parkgoers during the beautiful weather.

“It’s finally here,” said parkgoer Elon Jefferson. “You know how you wait for something for so long and you finally get it, you're like, ‘Alright, now my happiness can begin.’”

MORE: High temperatures continuing into weekend

Kyros found people fishing on the lake, jogging outside and having picnics – already putting the pasts four months of stark cold in the past.

New Jersey Institute of Technology student Ikyo Bailey tells News 12 his long snowy walks to school won’t be missed.

“Over the 70 mark, it’s a dream really,” he said.

The Branch Brook Park will host Essex County Family Day Saturday with live performances and activities from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. More beautiful weather is expected.