Keep it Local: Things You Won't Want to Miss at the Cherry Festival!

If you happen to be in the Downtown Traverse City area between July 7th and July 14th...you may notice a few more people visiting than usual.

And by a few, I mean a few...thousand.

The reason for this is our very own National Cherry Festival is coming up next week and we're extremely excited about it!

We also happen to know the lovely individuals who make this festival happen, so we thought that collecting some information and devoting a blog post to must-see events at this year's festival was needed.

So, here are a few things that you shouldn't miss at the National Cherry Festival!

1. NCF Presidential Cherry Pancake Breakfast. Let's be honest- who doesn't love breakfast?! You can join the National Cherry Festival Poobahs (aka past presidents) for pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk and juice. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit not only the Cherry Festival Foundation, but also the Northwestern Michigan College's School of Aviation. I also heard that you'll be able to meet the Air Show Pilots if you're there between 8am-10am, which I personally think is a great way to start the day! 

2. Festival Air Show: The National Cherry Festival Air Show features the Black Diamond Jet Team, Team RV,
U.S. Coast Guard, Greg Shetterly, Joe Shetterly and other military acts as they perform their maneuvers over West Grand Traverse Bay. Watching an air show over the bay really allows you to sit back and take in all of what Traverse City has to offer. As an added bonus: if you're watching from the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay, you can listen live on WTCM AM 580 to hear air show commentators give minute to minute maneuvering. 

3. Touchstone Energy Junior Royale Parade: Not only is this one of America's only Kids Parades (Traverse City is a preeeeetty awesome place), it also features the National Cherry Festival Prince and Princess court representing our 27 local Elementary schools. This years theme is "America the Beautiful," which I think is an excellent and appropriate theme. I hear that some groups throw candy to the parade-goers, so getting to the parade earlier to secure a great spot is a definite must- perhaps in front of the Events North office (Right next to U & I lounge...it really is the perfect spot).

4. Meijer Festival of Races: There are very few places that can offer a scenic running path like Traverse City.  You and thousands of other runners can enjoy the picturesque views of Grand Traverse Bay as you push yourself to reach your running goals! 

P.S. Meaghan will be running the 15k in a bright green Events North running shirt with "We Run This!" on the back (shoutout to the amazing Alfie!)- make sure to stop and say hi!

5. DTE Energy Cherry Royale Parade: Kick off the final day of the 86th National Cherry Festival with the DTE Energy Cherry Royale Parade! The parade really shows off Traverse City's community involvement and has such a diverse array of floats and participants. There will be royalty, marching bands, Prince and Princess floats, clowns, specialty entries...the list goes on and on. This is a National Cherry Festival staple and also a great way to spend the day with your family!

6. Bayside Music Stage: The National Cherry Festival has a variety of wonderful talent at this year's music stage! What's better than enjoying the beautiful Traverse City weather while listening to tunes with your family and friends? Check out the line-up over at the event page, purchase your tickets and then head over and enjoy the music!

Those are just a few highlights- there are just way too many events to mention, but you can find a complete line up right here at the Event Schedule. We'll see you there!