5 Must-Dos during the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City Michigan
The nation’s mitten is so well known for the tart cherry Michigan has a National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Kicking off the month of July this harvest annual event brings the community together with live music, parades and even pit spitting. Trevor Kach, President and CEO of Traverse City Tourism said “in just this one week, of the National Cherry Festival, [we earn] over $25MM [in tourism dollars].” Over the course of eight days there is so much to do but here are 6 things you can’t miss:
Cherry Pie
Did you go to a cherry festival if you didn’t have some of the Grand Traverse Pie Company cherry pie? When asked how many pies are sold per day during the National Cherry Festival Mike Busley, Co-Founder of Grand Traverse Pie Co. said “Between this shop, out park street and the festival [I don’t know] 800,00 a day; something like that.” In addition to all those pies for the festival, gluten-free options are available at the bakery.
Tip: Try the cherry pie flurry!
Tour an Orchard
The best way to learn about the festival is to go where the roots are planted. National Cherry Festival attendees can visit Michigan State University Horticulture Research Station to tour the onsite orchard. “In the tart cherry world, because we mechanically harvest them [tart cherries] we have to wait for the trees to be physically bit enough to shake them,” Nikki Roshwell, Extension Specialist at Michigan State University and NWMHRC Coordinator, replied when asked how the cherries are harvested. This is one of the many things tourists can learn about the tart cherry industry.
Tip: Try the fresh tart cherry juice.
Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes
About a 45-minute drive from the festival will take you to the Sleeping Bear Dunes Welcome Center. The national park is big and has many viewing points. I recommend chatting with a park ranger to ensure you visit the overlooks with the best views.
Watch a Parade
There are two parades throughout the National Cherry Festival. “Parades are my favorite; they are a rolling storybook of the community,” Kat Pay, Executive Director of the National Cherry Festival, said. The junior royalty parade is full of local floats.
Share A Cheers
Get in touch with your “MawbYness” at Mawby Vineyard and Winery. This local vineyard doesn’t artificially carbonate its sparkling wine and uses a second fermentation as their carbonation technique. “This is really becoming well-known destination for wine enthusiasts,” Mike Laing, Owner & Director of MAWBYness at Mawby Vineyards, said. The vineyard is a delightful topographical hideout from the hustle of the festival.
Bonus – Air Dog Show
Though this is a competition it is really about having fun. Since 2005 Air Dog Show is a dock jumping event that is inclusive to all breeds and skill sets. Whether the dog is in it to win it or just likes a dip in the pool all canines are invited to join.
Traverse City is a vibrant summer escape and going during the festival is a cherry on top. Whether you attend all the National Cherry Festival events or wind down with the local attractions during a different time you’re sure to have a cherry good time.