National Cherry Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids National Cherry Festival |
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|---|---|
| Begins | July 3, 2021 |
| Ends | July 10, 2021 |
| Location(s) | Traverse City, Michigan |
| Inaugurated | 1925 |
| Most recent | 2019 |
The National Cherry Festival is a super fun event held every year in Traverse City, Michigan. It's all about celebrating delicious cherries! This festival began way back in 1925. It was first called the Blessing of the Blossoms Festival.
This early festival happened in May. Its goal was to bring visitors to Northern Michigan. People came to see the beautiful cherry blossoms. In 1931, the festival got a new name: the National Cherry Festival. The event was also moved to the summer.
Since 2004, there's also a Blossom Days Festival in May. This festival celebrates the blooming cherry trees. But the National Cherry Festival in summer is still the most famous one.
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Celebrating Cherries in Traverse City
More than 500,000 people visit the National Cherry Festival each year. It has been happening for many years! Families can enjoy lots of exciting activities.
Fun Activities for Everyone
You can join in cherry pit spitting contests. There are also exciting pie eating contests. A big highlight is the Grand Royale Parade. In this parade, the new Cherry Queen waves to the crowds.
There is also a special Junior Royale parade for kids. Plus, don't miss the Festival Airshow! Sometimes, the amazing Blue Angels even fly by. Many other cherry festivals happen across the United States too.
When the Festival Happens
The festival used to be held in mid- to late July. This was to match the cherry harvest time. But now, the festival happens in early July. This lets everyone enjoy the July 4th holiday celebrations.
Making History with Giant Pies
The National Cherry Festival is famous for its huge cherry pies! On July 25, 1987, festival participants made history. They earned a spot in the Guinness World Records!
The World's Largest Cherry Pie
They baked the world's largest cherry pie. This giant pie was about 17 feet 6 inches (5.3 meters) wide. It weighed an amazing 28,350 pounds (12,860 kg)! This pie broke a record set nine years earlier. That pie was baked in Charlevoix, Michigan.
This record stood until July 14, 1990. Then, an even bigger pie was made! This new record-breaking pie weighed 37,740 pounds (17,118 kg). It was 20 feet (6.1 meters) wide. About 1500 people ate this huge pie in Oliver, British Columbia.
Music and Entertainment
The National Cherry Festival also brings in great musical artists. Many bands have performed there over the years.
Past Performers
In 2017, the band Greta Van Fleet from Michigan played. They performed with Shinedown. In 2012, Pop Evil from Muskegon performed. In 2014, Uncle Kracker played with Smash Mouth. Tommy James & The Shondells also performed in 2014.
Other famous bands have also played. Styx performed in 2001. Cheap Trick played in 2016. And REO Speedwagon performed in 2017.
Festival Postponements
The National Cherry Festival has only been postponed a few times. This usually happens for very important reasons.
2020 Postponement
In 2020, festival leaders announced a postponement. The 94th National Cherry Festival was moved to the next year. It happened from July 3rd to July 10th, 2021. This decision was made because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Past Cancellations
Before 2020, the festival had only been canceled once. This was from 1942 through 1945. It was canceled during those years because of World War II.
