New to New Haven? You are in for a treat!

No, it's not the World Famous pizza on Wooster Street that's bringing folks to town, it's Cherry Blossoms!

Folks may have lived in one of those new fangled fancy apartments buildings for almost a year and have no idea. In fact, it happened to me 16 years ago when I moved downtown and settled in New Haven's Wooster Square.

Of course I knew of the pizza, pasta and restaurant scene in New Haven. What I found when going to the park to walk Zippy (italian greyhound) was nothing short of jaw dropping.

I had no idea that the park erupted in pink and white Cherry Blossoms. This was 2006. The Wooster Square Cherry Blossom festival was in it's 33rd year already.

I remember a few tables in the park during the festival that was not very well known. In contrast, we had the Columbus Parade in New Haven that year that drew thousands.

The formerly known as Festival started to have loftier goals. New Haven was seeing a few people moving in and the neighborhood coming back to life.

The organizers grew the festival by adding food venders, businesses and vendors. Then it got a bit crazy!

Since the event is put on by neighbors, for neighbors, it was a huge nut to take on. And it kept getting bigger.

So when the pandemic hit and we missed two years (the blossoms still bloomed). So when the event could be held again, they took a different approach.

The committee moved the stage from the center of the park, off to the side in front of St Michael's.

Then they moved all the food trucks onto Academy Street and closed it to traffic. Now the whole park could be filled in and everyone has a view of the stage. Unless you are behind it of course.

What transpired was exactly what the organizers wanted. People brought chairs, tables, blankets, dogs, cats, ferrets, and bunnies. I kid you not.

The park was as if someone had laid a big beach blanket down and there were people from one end of the park to the other. The rest were walking and enjoying the day.

So that is how it became a Celebration instead of festival. The event had outgrown and overwhelmed our all neighborhood volunteers.

Now the Celebration can focus on what it needs to, instead of all the footwork of getting 50-100 vendors set up. The event should be getting out and enjoying the neighborhood with fun, food and music.

So come join us this Sunday! Click on the link below for more information! The

Historic Wooster Square

The Cherry Trees all popped yesterday afternoon and this morning! We should reach peak in a day or so. Again, I can only tell when we are past peak looking at the photos!

And O-M-G! Hughes Place is close to peak!**

**viewing and enjoying cherry blossoms, or Hanami, may cause spontaneous laughter, uncontrollable wonder and hope for the spring.

Take a look at the park this Tuesday morning!

The trees are in bloom so come this week! Peaking soon!

See You on Wooster Street

See You Round the Square

The Wooster Square Blossom Blog is sponsored by:

Cheryl Szczarba, Realtor

Seabury Hill Realtors

233 Wooster Street

New Haven, Ct 06511

203-996-8328