The 55th annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off Saturday morning under blue skies as area residents set out to celebrate spring.
“There’s a lot of craft vendors, seven food trucks, face-painting for the kids. There are tons of kids games,” said Lori DeAngelo, president of the festival. “We’re just doing a lot of good things.”
The first day of the festival began with the Cherry Blossom Parade at 11 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony. The entertainment continues Sunday starting with a performance by musical act Flaxy Morgan at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Little Miss Cherry Blossom contest at 12:15 p.m.
Adam, left, 4, and Aberdeen Lowe, 8, both of West Pittston, pick up candy during the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Attendees browse the many vendors at the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Attendees browse the many vendors at the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Pa. State Rep. Jim Haddock tosses out candy to attendees of the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Cooper, left, and Lincoln Feist, 2, of Wyoming, enjoy a corn dog during the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Members of The Young Thunder hand out flowers during the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Wyoming Area Marching Band performs in the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Attendees fill Susquehanna Ave. for the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Cino Paci Band performs in the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Adam, left, 4, and Aberdeen Lowe, 8, both of West Pittston, pick up candy during the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lisa Jones, who was working at the stand for Gouldsboro-based Sherri’s Crab Cakes on Saturday, said she was looking forward to a good turnout.
“We do this event every year,” Jones said. “It’s nice weather, so we’re hoping for a good crowd.”
Sandy Murphy, of Murphy’s Bee Farm in Newton Twp., was setting up a variety of honeys, including the farm’s popular hot honey, along with skin cream and chapstick products made from beeswax.
“We’ve been doing this probably six or seven years,” Murphy said. “It’s always been a great festival. Everybody’s so kind, and the music’s great — the entertainment. We have a great time.”
This year, a special bike raffle is taking place to help raise money for the memorial fund for Raeann Rose Merlino, a 10-year-old West Pittston resident who died of flu complications.
“All of the proceeds from that will go to Raeann’s memorial fund,” DeAngelo said.
Festival organizers were also paying tribute this year to grand marshals Sam and Mary Ann Polit, whose land has played host to the event for decades.
“They’ve been graciously letting us have this festival on their land for 55 years or more,” DeAngelo said, noting that while the festival will continue, the location may change.
“This may be our last year on these grounds, because West Pittston did acquire some land up the road that they’re thinking we could move the festival to because it’s a bigger space,” she said. “So this might be bittersweet. We’re not sure yet, but this could be the last time it’s here.”
The festival concludes at 6 p.m. Sunday.