This Week at Cherry Fest By Al Parker After months of anticipation, northern Michigan is hip-deep in the 2022 edition of the National Cherry Festival. It’s almost impossible to see and do everything that’s happening at the celebration, but we’ve put together a day-by-day agenda of some of the fan favorites and other can’t-miss activities that still promise plenty of fun.
JULY 4
Fan Favorite: Nothing says “Independence Day” like a night sky full of fireworks, and Traverse City’s is one of the best displays in the North. Held at the Open Space above West Grand Traverse Bay, the ooh-aah show starts at 10:30pm. It’s only possible through the efforts of the Traverse City Boom Boom Club, a nonprofit that began funding the fireworks in 2011. Can’t Miss: Pie eating competitions begin with the kids’ contest starting at 1pm at F&M Park at Washington and Railroad streets. This is a family favorite featuring youngsters from preschool age through 12 years old who are cordially invited to go face-first into the crusty pastries. At 5pm, the adults take the spotlight at the Open Space stage, and the first to gobble their slice of cherry pie takes home a prize.
JULY 6
Fan Favorite: NCF adds chuckles to its cherry theme by hosting six-time Grammy nominee Jim Gaffigan at the Bayside Music Stage. The standup comic, actor, writer, and producer brings his observational comedy to TC in “The Fun Tour.” Food’s a big slice of Gaffigan’s gig, so you may get a chance to learn more about Hot Pockets, cake, and bacon. Gates open at 6pm. Can’t Miss: The GT Butterfly Experience features displays of several species of North American butterflies, including the popular monarch. The walk-through exhibit comes with the chance to feed butterflies, and Butterfly Experience visitors will learn ways to support and save butterflies in their own backyard. The exhibit is open from 10am to 6pm at Clinch Park.
14 • jULY 04, 2022 • Northern Express Weekly
JULY 5
Fan Favorite: Arnold’s Amusements Midway has been a festival tradition for decades. Whether you’re brave enough to ride the zesty Zipper or enjoy the tamer Tilt-a-Whirl, there’s fun for all. When it’s time for a food break, enjoy festival favorites such as cotton candy, corn dogs, hot dogs, popcorn, funnel cakes, and more. Most days, the midway opens at 11am. Can’t Miss: The Kids Pet Show draws a crowd to F&M park at 9am where youngsters 3 to 12 years old display their pets. It’s a free, fun event that runs about three hours. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed, Most Unusual Pet, Most Patriotic Pet, and more.
JULY 7
Fan Favorite: The new Consumers Energy Community Royale Parade celebrates the past, present, and future of the Grand Traverse cherry growing region. It combines the best of the festival’s Heritage and Junior Royale Parades along its one-mile parade route through downtown TC. The parade starts off at 6:30pm and takes just under two hours to complete. Can’t Miss: The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will host a pow wow from 11am to 3pm at the Bayside Music Stage. Enjoy a colorful display of dance and drumming, taste Native American cuisine, and shop unique finds during this local cultural experience.
