The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is back at Branch Brook Park, showcasing the largest collections of cherry blossom trees in the United States.

The park is home to more than 5,300 cherry blossom trees spanning 18 varieties.

The festival, which runs through April 19, opened with warm spring weather and blooming trees across the park.

Hundreds came to walk, take photos and enjoy the beauty of the trees.

Visitors said the annual bloom never gets old, year after year.

“We do come here every year, and this has been one of our favorite places,” said Suja. “It has beautiful flowers and an amazing atmosphere, and it has inspired me to go see the cherry blossoms in Japan next year.”

Photographers were also out in full force, capturing the peak bloom.

“This is where you come and get some of your best composition, because it’s all natural,” said Patrick. “Very little of it is manmade.”

Others said the park offers a chance to unwind.

“I have a very stressful job Monday through Friday, so Saturday I choose that day to wind down and perhaps sit by a lakeside,” said Vivian, of North Plainfield. “But since the trees are in such full bloom and it looks beautiful, I thought this would be the best place to relax.”

Events will continue throughout the month, culminating in Bloomfest on April 19.

Upcoming Events:

Cherry Blossom Challenge Bike Race — Saturday, April 4 | 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Cherry Blossom 10K Run — Sunday, April 12 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

1-Mile Children’s Fun Run & Walk — Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Essex County Family Day — Saturday, April 18 | 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Bloomfest — Sunday, April 19 | 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.