Each summer Michigan State University Extension, the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station and the Cherry Marketing Institute team up to place the "cherry" on top of the National Cherry Festival -- so to speak. Since 1995, MSU Extension and research station staff have welcomed National Cherry Festival participants to visit the research farm located on Center Highway in Leelanau County.
The event showcases the many facets of the cherry industry and is supported by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station in collaboration with MSU Extension's work in Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H and the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program. All of these groups provide cherry festival-goers with an exciting and tasty behind-the-scenes look at the cherry industry that calls northwest Michigan home. We encourage visitors and locals to not pass up this unique opportunity.
Cherry Connection has grown in popularity in recent years, with 2,260 visitors attending the event in 2008. Participants are introduced to the research farm with a guided wagon tour through the picturesque orchards and vineyards that make up the 120-acre facility.
While on the farm, visitors discover why the Grand Traverse region is the best area to grow the world-famous, mouth-watering Montmorency tart cherry. MSU Extension educators provide visitors with an insider look at the unique harvesting techniques involved in cherry farming, the remarkable variety of insects and diseases associated with fruit production, some interesting and fun fruit factoids and much more.
The 4-H staff will also be wrangling a variety of animals at an on-site petting zoo that includes some furry and feathery projects from the 4-H youth. Family and Consumer Science staff will be serving a delicious variety of local cherry products including ice cream, jams, salsas, sausages and breads. Last but not least, perhaps the most infamous event each year is the pit spitting contest. Children and adults are encouraged to step up to the line and test their expectorating expertise with bragging rights as their ultimate reward.
This year's event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Monday through Friday of festival week, with a special Industry Day event on Tuesday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. when the new Cherry Industry Person of the Year will be announced.
We hope you will visit us this year during Cherry Connection, enjoy a wagon ride, some delicious treats and gain a better understanding and appreciation of the cherry production going on in our own backyards. For more details, contact the research station at (231) 946-1510.
Erin Lizotte is the Integrated Fruit Practices and Pest Management District Educator at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station.
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