Traverse City Cherry Festival 2011

National Cherry Festival

July 2-9, 2011

Traverse City, MI

OK, this one isn't in Houghton Lake. But if your here around the beginning of July and your looking for a very special day trip, cruise about 40 minutes west of Grayling along M-72 to Traverse City for the National Cherry Festival.

Should be known as the International Cherry Festival as many festival goers come from all over the globe to partake of the celebration of this small, red, delicious and very versatile sweet/tart fruit. Gracing pies, jam/jellies, soda pop, wine, beer...and so on. 

Did I mention they're fabulous all alone? Pop one in your mouth and bite down BUT be careful of the pit. It can reek havoc with your teeth.

Who hasn't tried to tie a knot in a cherry stem using only their tongue? I can't do it but I know someone who can (Marsha). I don't know if they have a contest for this but they should.

Vintage 1940 Cherry Festival

This years National Cherry Festival will be July 2-9 and features:

• Old Town Classic Car Show
• Teen Volleyball Tournament
• Old Mission Peninsula Bike Tour
• Festival Air Show
• Cherry Pit Spit Contest
• Cherry Pie Eating Contest
• Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Contest
• and much more....

There's a midway filled with carnival rides, souvenirs and everything Cherry.

Bay Side Music Stage Concerts include:

• Wed., July 6  "Kansas"
• Thurs., July 7 "1964...The Tribute" (Beatles tribute band)
• Fri., July 8  ".38 Special with Brantley Gilbert"
• Sat., July 9  "Josh Gracin"

*Concert tickets can be purchased for $15 for all four nights. 

For more info click here National Cherry Festival

For the adults:

• Global Wine Pavilion
• Beer Tent
• Pie Eating Contest
• and more..

For the kids:

• Kids Bubblegum Blow
• Princess Tea
• Kids Festival Matinee
• Kids Cherry Pie Eating Contest
• and more..

Whatever your age or interest there's something at the festival for you. So come to Houghton Lake and leave a day open to take a short ride and enjoy one of the best festivals in the world. You'll be glad you did.

For more area festivals click here.

Hope to see you there,

Ken S