WEEKEND EVENT: Greerton Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate spring

Greerton Village Community Association manager Sally Benning in among the cherry blossoms ahead of this weekend's Cherry Blossom Festival. Photo / John Borren

You know it's spring in Tauranga when the Greerton Village Cherry Blossom Festival arrives.

The annual event has run for 11 years and become a favourite for residents and retailers in Greerton.

Live music, games, a school gala and a display of more than 100 cars from the Custom and Street Car Club are expected to draw thousands of people to the village.

Greerton Village Community Association manager Sally Benning said they were keeping things in line with previous years, which also included dancing street performers.

"It's been extremely successful over the years, so we are not keen to make too many changes for something that works really, really well."

Greerton Village School will be taking part in some of the performances on the school's rotunda, and the Alan Dawson band and Singing Cowboy will also feature.

Like previous years, the section of Chadwick Rd from Cameron Rd to Greerton Rd will be closed to allow easy pedestrian access and plenty of room for the display of cars.

"It's a big day out for families. It's a free event. It's very popular. Really, it's a celebration of spring. The cherry trees will be peaking on Saturday; there's quite a bit of blossom on them already," she said.

"I think it's Tauranga's introduction of looking into spring."

Other features expected on Saturday will be a bouncy castle, mini jeeps, barbecue, Circus in a Flash, and a no-reserve auction.

The details

What:

Cherry Blossom Festival

Where:

Greerton Village square, Chadwick Rd

When:

From 10am, Saturday September 22

Who:

Greerton Village Community Association and Greerton Village School

Cost:

Free