RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL IN TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

On 2026-06-24, Senator Gary C. Peters (D-MI) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL IN TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN" in the Senate.

RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL IN TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S3198] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL IN TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI. Traverse City is known as the Cherry Capital of the World for good reason. More than 70 percent of the Nation's tart cherries are grown in the Grand Traverse region, and for a century, this remarkable harvest has been celebrated through a festival that honors both the quality of the crop and the hard-working people who produce it. The inaugural Cherry Festival was held in 1926, though celebrations of the cherry harvest date back even earlier. In the 1910s, local growers gathered for an informal event known as the Blessing of the Blossoms, laying the foundation for what would become one of Michigan's most beloved traditions. Over the past century, the festival has grown from a modest 3-day event into an 8-day celebration of the dedication, resilience, and community spirit that define the Grand Traverse region. The National Cherry Festival is no small spectacle. Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to Traverse City to take part in cherished traditions, from the crowning of the Cherry Queen to the breathtaking performances of the Blue Angels over Grand Traverse Bay. The festival has also welcomed notable guests throughout its history, including three Presidents. In 1925, a giant cherry pie was presented to President Calvin Coolidge; in 1929, President Herbert Hoover attended the opening-day ceremony; and in 1975, President Gerald Ford proudly served as grand marshal of the Cherry Royale Parade. Yet the National Cherry Festival is about far more than celebrating a bountiful harvest. It is a tribute to the growers, families, businesses, and volunteers whose efforts sustain both the festival and the broader community. Thousands of volunteer hours are dedicated each year to preserving its traditions and creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike. Their commitment has helped make the festival a lasting symbol of civic pride and community engagement. For generations, the National Cherry Festival has created cherished summer memories for families from Michigan and across the Nation. Today, it remains as important to the Grand Traverse region as it was at its founding a century ago. As the festival celebrates this historic milestone, I congratulate its organizers, volunteers, growers, and supporters for carrying forward a tradition that showcases the very best of Michigan. I ask the Senate to join me in celebrating the National Cherry Festival as it marks its 100th anniversary. For a century, this iconic Michigan tradition has honored the growers and communities whose dedication has made the Grand Traverse region a leader in cherry production and a source of pride for our State. May the festival continue to strengthen community ties, celebrate Michigan's agricultural heritage, and bring joy to future generations for another hundred years. ____________________