National Cherry Festival

Datesafter 1926

DescriptionThe first cherry trees in the region date to the mid-nineteenth century on the Old Mission Peninsula, Grand Traverse County. Due to excellent growing conditions, climate, and location, a burgeoning fruit industry developed, in which a specialized cherry industry emerged. Both tart and sweet cherries are grown in Northern Lower Michigan. Grand Traverse County and Leelanau County produce 40-50% of the United State tart cherry crop, giving the region the name “Cherry Capital of the World.” The festival began in 1928 as the “Blessing of The Blossoms Festival.” Although no longer an official part of the National Cherry Festival, this ceremonial spring event, the blessing of the cherry crop by clergy, remains an occasion today on Old Mission Peninsula in Grand Traverse County. In 1931, the Michigan Legislature renamed the Blessing of the Blossom Festival to the National Cherry Festival, moving the celebrations to July. The festival began as three days and evolved into a five-day event. In 1968, the festival extended to eight days. The event has run consecutive years, except for 1942-1946 due to World War II, and 1947, when Traverse City celebrated its centennial. In 2020, the festival was suspended for the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed in 2021. The festival draws hundreds of thousands of individuals to experience food vendors, parades, fireworks, air shows, concerts, races, and free family events. Traditions include the purchase of a souvenir “Cherry Festival Pin,” which if gold-colored, enters the purchaser into a raffle for an automobile, and the crowning of the National Cherry Festival Queen.

Source of descriptionLHC Staff