TRAVERSE CITY -- Eric Johnson tilted his face toward the sky, his eyes round, as a jet roared above his head.
He's 4 years old, but he didn't cover his ears. Eric stood fixed to the ground at the Open Space in Traverse City, and followed the plane's trailing line as his mouth fell into a grin.
Shy around strangers, he gave the 2009 National Cherry Festival air show an approving nod, but his mother said being in Traverse City was more exciting than Eric would have you believe.
"(We've) never been out of Arkansas," said Danielle Toth, who lives with sons Eric, Michael Johnson, 10, and Anthony Johnson, 11, in the small town of Melbourne. "It's pretty nice."
The festival's opening day Saturday drew thousands to Traverse City's waterfront, and filled the Open Space and nearby beaches for the annual air show, even without the signature U.S. Navy Blue Angels this year.
Among the attractions were carnival rides, a souvenir tent and a booth of local cherry products.
Cool, rainy weather this week finally made its way out, replaced with clear, sunny skies -- no doubt to organizers' relief.
"The crowds have been strong," said Tim Hinkley, in his first season as the festival's executive director. "For a non-Blue Angels opening, we're doing great."
Both locals and tourists milled about the festival grounds Saturday.
Abe and Kate Kohler, of Traverse City, strolled into the Open Space while on a walk. They participate in at least one event each summer.
Saturday's turnout appeared to be a good sign, Abe Kohler said, considering the region depends on tourism for its livelihood.
"It's good for the local economy," he said. "People that wouldn't necessarily come here come because of the cherry festival."
Mohammed and Sana Hasan, of Dearborn, arrived Saturday to attend their first festival. They planned to head home the same day, unless they decided there was more to see.
Mohammed Hasan clutched a plastic cup of sweet cherries as they walked toward the food tents.
"We love cherries a lot," he said. "It's a nice experience to be out here."
Scott and Jayne Hammontree have made the trek to Traverse City from their home in Elkhart, Ind., at least 10 times in the last 20 years.
They love the cherry festival so much they have become regular visitors, despite having no family in the region.
"For us, it's just relaxing," Jayne Hammontree said, stopping abruptly to crane her neck toward the sky.
Just then, five airplanes diverged over the crowd, leaving trails of white smoke and the sputter of engines.
"That's what I came for, right there," she said, gazing skyward. "It's just good, family entertainment."
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