Sights from the 45th annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival

WEST PITTSTON — The 45th annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival was held on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 on the grounds near the Susquehanna River.

This year’s festival was dedicated to the late West Pittston Mayor Tony Denisco, who died just days before the festival. During the opening ceremonies, many friends spoke on the positive things Denisco did for the borough.

Following the opening ceremonies, first event on Saturday was the Little Miss Cherry Blossom contest. Out of 12 participants in the annual contest, Apollonia Bruno, 7, West Pittston,was crowned by contest coordinator Gina Malsky. The participants answered questions for the crowd, and also shared a talent for a group of three judges.

The parade kicked off at noon on Saturday at Cenera Auto Parts and made its way to Wyoming Avenue before heading down Philadelphia Avenue. It finished at the grounds on Susquehanna Avenue.

The grand marshal at this year’s parade was Rosalie Messina, a Cubmaster for Pack 302 in West Pittston. She rode in the parade and accepted a plaque for her 38 years of dedication to the Scouts during the opening ceremonies.

Ashlynn Koehler, Jenkins Township, slides down The Moonwalk Guy bounce house during the 45th annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_CBFest6.jpgAshlynn Koehler, Jenkins Township, slides down The Moonwalk Guy bounce house during the 45th annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

A bouquet of flowers sits on the state in memory of late West Pittston Mayor Tony Denisco, who died days before the 45th annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_CBFest1.jpgA bouquet of flowers sits on the state in memory of late West Pittston Mayor Tony Denisco, who died days before the 45th annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Anthony Giunta, West Pittston, reaches for candy during the parade at the 45th annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_CBFest2.jpgAnthony Giunta, West Pittston, reaches for candy during the parade at the 45th annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

The colors are presented by the Marine Wing Support Squadron 472 during the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival parade.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_CBFest4.jpgThe colors are presented by the Marine Wing Support Squadron 472 during the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival parade. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Shelby Gavin, 5, and Emily Dannert, 6, await to be introduced by Gina Malsky for the Little Miss Cherry Blossom contest during the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_CBFest5.jpgShelby Gavin, 5, and Emily Dannert, 6, await to be introduced by Gina Malsky for the Little Miss Cherry Blossom contest during the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

One-year-old Benjamin Ostroskie awaits the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_CBFest3.jpgOne-year-old Benjamin Ostroskie awaits the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Lauren Timek, a judge for the annual Little Miss Cherry Blossom, also sang the National Anthem to kick off the festival.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_CBFest8.jpgLauren Timek, a judge for the annual Little Miss Cherry Blossom, also sang the National Anthem to kick off the festival. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Little Miss Cherry Blossom 2015 Katherine Potter waves to the crowd on Wyoming Avenue during the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival parade.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_CBFest7.jpgLittle Miss Cherry Blossom 2015 Katherine Potter waves to the crowd on Wyoming Avenue during the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival parade. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Apollonia Bruno, 7, of West Pittston, awaits to be introduced to the crowd. Bruno was later crowned Little Miss Cherry Blossom at the 45th annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_CherryBlossom_LM.jpg

Apollonia Bruno, 7, of West Pittston, awaits to be introduced to the crowd. Bruno was later crowned Little Miss Cherry Blossom at the 45th annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch