桜祭り

the main attraction

Took a quick break from my project to join some friends at Brooklyn Botanical Garden for the annual 桜祭り.
Wasn't quite a break, I was sketching on the subway, at the picnic, and on the way back...

It was a cloudy day, but the sun managed to peek at times.
The Cherry Esplanade was jammed.
Visitors spread their mats on the grass.
Some leaned on the trunk and took a nap.

one side of the esplanade

Made my way to the tent and checked things out.
They had Japanese traditional performances up on a stage.
Unfortunately, the stage wasn't high enough -- or I wasn't tall enough.. Hence, I couldn't see anything.
Anyway, that wasn't important.
I was sure I'd seen them before.. or I could always catch them next year.
I walked around under the tent instead.
There were vendors selling japanese goodies, food, beer, and ooh cake!
I'd learned from the past not to buy anything as they were usually super pricey.

I only stayed for an hour or so and had to go back on my project.
Took some more pictures on the way out.
Until next year~