Festival-goers rejoice! The National Cherry Festival is giving us all a reason to celebrate. Whether you’re looking to participate in virtual, in-person or hybrid events, there is sure to be an activity for everyone at this year’s festival.
The National Cherry Festival is filling the calendar of July 3 to 10 full of multiple events for the community to celebrate the summer! The National Cherry Festival staff and volunteers have been taking the time to plan a safe cherry celebration to give everyone something to celebrate. “We recognize that not everyone is ready to gather in crowds yet, so we will be hosting in-person, virtual, and hybrid events to meet everyone where they are. And every in-person event will be following state and local guidelines to ensure the safety of all involved” said Kat Paye, Executive Director of the National Cherry Festival.
With the success of the Porch Parade last year, it will be filling neighborhoods with joy once again in 2021! Events like the Arts & Crafts Fair and the Old Town Car Show will be back in a separate more socially distanced location. The National Cherry Festival will also continue to be the site for Ultimate Air Dogs and The Great American Duck Race. F&M Park will still hold kids’ events and everyone will still be able to see some white tents on the horizon of West Grand Traverse Bay as the Open Space will still be the home base for this cherry celebration. Don’t forget to pick up your 2021 commemorative pin this year either, although 2020 pins will be honored to enter the Beer Tent, a new pin will be sold to celebrate the 95th National Cherry Festival.
Keeping the safety of the community, guests, volunteers and staff in mind, and in line with current regulations, The Bayside Music Stage and airshow featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will not take place in 2021.
With all this in mind, The National Cherry Festival was created to celebrate and promote cherries, community involvement, and the Grand Traverse Region, the staff and volunteers have been working hard to do just that. It has been a difficult time for everyone and the National Cherry Festival is proud to be able to return some excitement to the summer months in Northern Michigan.
For more information, an updated event calendar, and COVID-19 event protocols head to www.cherryfestival.org
