Traverse City Record-Eagle

2011 Cherry Festival

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July 4, 2011

Few elected officials in Cherry Royale parade

In time-saving move, just six politicians invited

BY ART BUKOWSKI abukowski@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Don't expect to see the mayor in his sash or your local county commission chairman during the National Cherry Festival's revered Cherry Royale Parade.

Cherry Festival leaders in a time-saving move ousted local elected officials from the July 9 parade that caps the weeklong event. They also excluded various other state office-holders, leaving a short list of six political invites.

At least a dozen local and state elected officials received invitations in years past, and the Cherry Festival made efforts in recent years to trim a parade run time that's reached three hours or more, Festival Director Tim Hinkley said.

"One of the complaints we've had about the parade is it's just way too long," he said.

To keep it simple, Hinkley said, the festival invited only Gov. Rick Snyder and five federal office-holders: U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin, plus U.S. Reps. Dave Camp, Bill Huizenga and Dan Benishek.

Larry Inman, chairman of the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners, said he's "not personally offended" that he wasn't invited. But he's curious about the selection criteria.

"If you're not going to include our state representative or state senator, why would you include an out-of-Grand-Traverse-County congressman?"

Huizenga and Benishek do not represent any Grand Traverse County voters, but Hinkley said the invited politicians represent the Grand Traverse region. Huizenga's district includes Benzie, Wexford and Manistee counties, among others, and Benishek's massive district includes Antrim County and much of the rest of northern Michigan. Camp represents Grand Traverse County.

Traverse City Mayor Chris Bzdok said he enjoyed participating last year. He wouldn't say if he had concerns with being excluded this time around.

"My wife and I had a wonderful time riding our bikes in old-timey get-up throwing candy to the kids," he said.

Howard Walker was a state representative before his election in 2010 to the state Senate seat that represents Grand Traverse and several other northern Michigan counties. He's participated in the Cherry Royale Parade several times in years past, but wasn't invited this time around.

"Personally I'm not upset," he said. "It's their parade, and they draw the rules the way they want to."

Walker said he will miss the opportunity to connect with constituents.

"It's a good chance to interact with people," he said.

Many local residents likely aren't concerned with a shrunken political roster.

"I'd actually like to see more bands and more of a celebration instead of politics," said Dana Goodwin, a resident of Traverse City's Central Neighborhood.

The parade is meant to be fun and entertaining, she said, especially for kids. A gaggle of politicians doesn't add to the excitement.

"It's for the kids, and it can get long, and it's hot outside," she said. "Keep it festive."

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