BY JOHN D. GONZALEZ
TRAVERSE CITY, MI - It's time for the 97th annual National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, and Behind the Mitten is no stranger to all the sights, sounds and spectacular activities you can experience July 1-8. at Open Space Park
Just for you, we have put together a list of some of the things you don't want to miss during the festival, which begins with the FREE and open to the public, Open Ramp on Friday (June 30) to meet air show participants. (Details below.)
Behind the Mitten will be in the middle of all the action this weekend and next. Make sure to come back for more photos and podcasts.
In the meantime, CLICK HERE or scroll below for an interview with Kat Paye, NCF Executive Director, who talks about the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, which perform July 1-2, and the 30th Anniversary Pow Wow on Monday, July 3. Learn more at cherryfestival.org.
Behind the Mitten's Top Things to Do at the National Cherry Festival
U.S. Coast Guard Open Ramp
Date: June 30, 2023
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: USCG Air Station Traverse City
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City is hosts the National Cherry Festival Airshow aerial demonstration teams. The public is invited to come out and meet members of the local Coast Guard, as well as the other demonstration teams participating in this year’s exciting Cherry Festival Airshow! This is a FREE event.
Very Cherry Flying Pancake Breakfast
Date: July 01, 2023
Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: $8.00 - $15.00
Location: Open Space Park
Support a good cause and enjoy a flipping good time as Chris Cake's pancakes soar through the air in support of The Festival Foundation. Top your cakes with Cherry Topping & Out of the Woods Maple Syrup
Festival Open Space Park and Cherry Farm Market
Date: July 01 - July 08, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Location: Open Space Park
Immerse yourself in the National Cherry Festival, enjoy local cherry products and the Cherry Farmer's Market at the main festival grounds located on West Grand Traverse Bay in the Open Space Park.
Official National Cherry Festival Souvenir Tent
Date: July 01 - July 08, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Location: Open Space Park
Get your Official National Cherry Festival Souvenirs here!
Arnold's Amusements Midway
Date: July 01 - July 08, 2023
Location: Corner of Grandview Parkway at Union Street
Arnold's Amusements is a staple of the National Cherry Festival! Founded in Traverse City, festival goers love to welcome The Arnold's family and their amusement park each year.
$1.50 single tickets
22 tickets / $30
50 tickets / $60
Daily armbands are:
Open - 5 p.m. - $30
5 p.m. - close - $30
Kids day ( Thursday)
$25 good all day, sold till 5, after 5 $30
Rides require 3 or more tickets per person, per ride.
Ultimate Day Wristband Good for rides, open to close on any 1 day,
$50 per day, $10 savings
Air Show
Date: July 01 - July 02, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: West Grand Traverse Bay
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team takes to the skies. This six person team performs both formations and solo routines. This is a FREE EVENT of the National Cherry Festival. Several ticketed foodie events with Air Show View will be available.
Concerts at The Pepsi Bayside Music Stage
Here Come The Mummies & Laith Al-Saadi
Date: July 01, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Cost: $20.00 - $145.00
Flo Rida
Date: July 02, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: $50.00 - $175.00
Night Ranger
wsg Stephen Pearcy's Ratt
Date: July 03, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: $30.00 - $155.00
Theory of a Deadman & Skillet
Date: July 04, 2023
Time: 6:00
Cost: $45.00 - $60.00
3 Doors Down
Away From The Sun Tour
wsg Candlebox
Date: July 05, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: $60.00 - $75.00
Jordan Davis
wsg Tyler Booth
Date: July 06, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
(Sold out)
Chicago
Date: July 07, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: $50.00
Jeff Foxworthy
Larry The Cable Guy
Date: July 08, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: $60.00 - $80.00
Adult Cherry Pit Spit Contest
Date: July 01 - July 07, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Open Space Park
It's back! The tradition of the Cherry Pit Spit Contest continues. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the record distance is 95 feet and 6.5 inches. See if you can beat the record at the National Cherry Festival! No fee required. Adults, age 18 and older, may participate.
Arts & Crafts Fair
Date: July 02, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Union Street
This juried arts and crafts fair held in Traverse City features more than 100 artists from across the Midwest. Purchase unique, local, hand-crafted items and art. The Arts and Crafts Fair will be on Union Street starting south of Front Street and ending at the South Union Street Bridge at the Boardman/Ottaway River.
Classic Car Show
Register Now
Date: July 02, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM
Cost: $15.00 (for cars)
Location: Old Town
The Classic Car Show returns to Old Town! It's a nostalgic look at cars, trucks, tractors, and motorcycles from throughout the Midwest. Hundreds of show-condition collector vehicles will be featured. Show Entrance is located at the corner of Union and 6th Street. The Top Ten Vehicles (voted on by registered vehicle owners) and a Best in Show Trophy will be awarded at a ceremony at 1pm Lay Park.
Kids Cherry Pie Eating Contest
Date: July 03 - July 07, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM
Location(s): F & M Park at Railroad & Washington Streets
Watch them in action! Age classifications from pre-school to 12 years old. Contest starts at 1:00 pm with the youngest contestants and goes until all age groups are complete. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
4th of July Fireworks
Date: July 04, 2023
Time: 10:30 PM
Location: Open Space Park
The Traverse City Boom Boom Club always puts on an amazing firework show each year!
Ultimate Air Dogs
Date: July 06 - July 08, 2023
Location: Open Space Park
The Ultimate Air Dogs competition features nearly one hundred "dog athletes" and their proud owner/trainers competing for advancement in the regional competition.
Queen's Coronation
Date: July 07, 2023
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $45.00
Location: Hagerty Center at Northwestern Michigan College Maritime Academy
Meet the four candidates competing to be the Next National Cherry Queen. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served and a cash bar is available. Crowning of the 2023/2024 Queen is at 7:30pm.
Festival Finale Fireworks
Date: July 08, 2023
Time: 10:30 PM
Location(s):
West Grand Traverse Bay
The National Cherry Festival is thrilled to welcome back the Festival Finale Fireworks!
Learn more at cherryfestival.org.
Listen to Kat Paye, NCF Executive Director, talk about this year's festival. Tune in at the 11-minute mark for an interview with Olivia Coolman, the 2022-2023 National Cherry Festival Queen, followed by our segment with Kat.
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