News

90th National Cherry Festival

The Cherry Marketing Institute says the cherry industry is celebrating a 90 year tradition that started as a “Blessing of the Blossoms.”

Phil Korson  tells Brownfield the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan puts a priority on the industry and cherry growers.  “It’s not just about tourism in northern Michigan, it’s about bringing people to the region and also while they’re there to showcase the cherry industry, which the festival was founded on—it’s a great story and they’ve been right there with us promoting the industry every step of the way.”

Korson says McDonalds will also be unveiling a new cherry cream pie dessert during the event made with Michigan grown cherries.  “We’re so proud of companies like McDonalds that support our local growers and support the industry that we have in throughout Northern Michigan and throughout the west side of the state.”

He says the festival runs through the first week of July and includes tours at Michigan State University’s Northwest Michigan Horticultural Station, educational and nutritional activities focused on cherries and much more.

Michigan produces about 75 percent of Montmorency tart cherries and 20 percent of sweet cherries grown in the U.S.

AUDIO: Interview with Phil Korson