8th Annual Cherry Blossom Petal Tour, 5K Set To Delight In Greenport

NORTH FORK, NY — A beloved annual festival is back 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 the 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 starts on Saturday and runs through Mother’s Day weekend; depending on tree species and weather conditions.

A free Petal Tour map offered by AgroCouncil will guide visitors as they embark on a walking tour through Greenport, which features more than 300 cherry blossom trees of seven different varieties and is a designated official Tree City by the National Arbor Day Foundation, event organizers said.

Proceeds from the Petal Tour benefit the Greenport Village Tree Committee and the Village of Greenport Business Improvement District's beautification committee.

The map guides visitors through the main and side streets lined with cherry trees, inviting them to discover the shops, restaurants, art galleries, and other attractions of Greenport's business district. The map features the participating restaurants and shops that will have cherry blossom-inspired drinks, desserts and gifts available for purchase.

The opening day schedule of events includes:

9 a.m.: National Anthem and 5K race start

10:30 a.m.: Awards for race rankings

11 a.m.: Traditional Japanese drummers and Kabuki Dance performance at the Third Street Park.

Noon: 2024 Greenport Cherry Blossom Petal Tour begins at participating businesses. Try the blossom-themed offerings and experience blossom-themed art at the festival's interactive art sponsors, North Fork Arts Collective and Veme Studios.

The race takes place rain or shine. Runners are invited to register in advance for $30 ,which includes t-shirt. The $35 day of price does not include free T-shirt. To register, click here.

Free maps will be available at all participating businesses as well as Greenport Village Hall, the Floyd Memorial Library, and AgroCouncil information center.

For details on Petal Tour, including sponsorship opportunities, visit agrocouncil.org or call 631-500-0850. For 5K call Nicki at 631-953-3231.