The Wind Beneath Blue Angels Wings

This Week at Cherry Fest

By Al Parker

After months of anticipation, northern Michigan is hip-deep in the 2022 edition of the National Cherry Festival.

It’s almost impossible to see and do everything that’s happening at the celebration, but we’ve put together a day-by-day agenda of some of the fan favorites and other can’t-miss activities that still promise plenty of fun.

Fan Favorite: Nothing says “Independence Day” like a night sky full of fireworks, and Traverse City’s is one of the best displays in the North. Held at the Open Space above West Grand Traverse Bay, the ooh-aah show starts at 10:30pm. It’s only possible through the efforts of the Traverse City Boom Boom Club, a nonprofit that began funding the fireworks in 2011.

Can’t Miss: Pie eating competitions begin with the kids’ contest starting at 1pm at F&M Park at Washington and Railroad streets. This is a family favorite featuring youngsters from preschool age through 12 years old who are cordially invited to go face-first into the crusty pastries. At 5pm, the adults take the spotlight at the Open Space stage, and the first to gobble their slice of cherry pie takes home a prize.

JULY 4 JULY 5

JULY 6

Fan Favorite: Arnold’s Amusements Midway has been a festival tradition for decades. Whether you’re brave enough to ride the zesty Zipper or enjoy the tamer Tilt-a-Whirl, there’s fun for all. When it’s time for a food break, enjoy festival favorites such as cotton candy, corn dogs, hot dogs, popcorn, funnel cakes, and more. Most days, the midway opens at 11am.

Can’t Miss: The Kids Pet Show draws a crowd to F&M park at 9am where youngsters 3 to 12 years old display their pets. It’s a free, fun event that runs about three hours. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed, Most Unusual Pet, Most Patriotic Pet, and more.

JULY 7

Fan Favorite: NCF adds chuckles to its cherry theme by hosting six-time Grammy nominee Jim Gaffigan at the Bayside Music Stage. The standup comic, actor, writer, and producer brings his observational comedy to TC in “The Fun Tour.” Food’s a big slice of Gaffigan’s gig, so you may get a chance to learn more about Hot Pockets, cake, and bacon. Gates open at 6pm.

Can’t Miss: The GT Butterfly Experience features displays of several species of North American butterflies, including the popular monarch. The walk-through exhibit comes with the chance to feed butterflies, and Butterfly Experience visitors will learn ways to support and save butterflies in their own backyard. The exhibit is open from 10am to 6pm at Clinch Park.

Fan Favorite: The new Consumers Energy Community Royale Parade celebrates the past, present, and future of the Grand Traverse cherry growing region. It combines the best of the festival’s Heritage and Junior Royale Parades along its one-mile parade route through downtown TC. The parade starts off at 6:30pm and takes just under two hours to complete.

Can’t Miss: The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will host a pow wow from 11am to 3pm at the Bayside Music Stage. Enjoy a colorful display of dance and drumming, taste Native American cuisine, and shop unique finds during this local cultural experience.

Fan Favorite: “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” also known as ZZ Top, takes the Bayside Music Stage with gates opening at 6pm. Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the band is poised to drop a new album, Raw, later this month. The album is dedicated to the memory of bass player/singer Dusty Hill, who died last year.

Can’t Miss: The Ultimate Air Dogs is always a fun, free-to-watch family event. Dozens of doggie athletes and their proud owners compete to advance in the regional competition. Canines will be flying at the Open Space beginning at 11am. Finals will be held at 2pm on July 9.

Fan Favorite: The Cherry Royale is one of the culminating events of the festival, held on the final day of Cherry Fest. Spectators will line Front Street to see the beautifully decorated floats, enjoy the marching bands, and meet the new National Cherry Queen. It’s a total celebration of cherries along the 1.3 mile parade route. The extravaganza begins at 11:15am.

Can’t Miss: The Festival of Races offers entrants a chance to line up with thousands of other runners on a beautiful northern Michigan morning. You’ll enjoy picturesque views of Grand Traverse Bay as you push toward a PR. Coming to the final stretch downtown, runners will be re-energized all the way to the finish line by throngs of cheering supporters on Front Street. Distances range from 5K to a half marathon, with the first race starting at 7am.

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BY TIMKEN

A HARBOR TOWNS SPECIAL

By Alexandra Dailey, Lynda Wheatley, and Geri Dietze

The secluded spots and quaint towns tucked away in harbors and bays on the Lake Michigan coast have long been desirable destinations for those seeking a weekend respite or relaxing summer season away from the usual harried hubbub. Sandy beaches with hidden Petoskey Stone treasures beckon, restaurants of local fame prepare home-style meals, and freshwater bodies welcome you with friendly waves. With so many tiny towns and cozy communities to visit and explore, let Northern Express provide some insight.

Falling Waters Lodge A catch with Reelin' Leland

LELAND

On the west side of the Leelanau Peninsula rests the quaint town of Leland, smack-dab between Lake Michigan and North Lake Leelanau. Known for historic Fishtown, a charming shopping district, gorgeous scenery, and family-owned businesses, Leland is an ideal place where visitors can “get away from it all” and savor a relaxed pace in a friendly and welcoming setting.

The Leland Lodge bar

Nosh & Nibble

Family-owned since 1927, The Bluebird caters to all with its 100-seat bar and elegant dining room overlooking the Leland River. The Bluebird is one of the area’s most popular restaurants, serving timeless favorites, such as their award-winning whitefish and famous cinnamon rolls. bluebirdleland.com

A seasonal riverside bar and grille, The Cove is located above and below the Leland Dam with views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. Sought after for its unusual waterfront dining experience, The Cove boasts signature dishes made from local ingredients and from-scratch recipes. And their take on a Bloody Mary—The Chubby Mary—is an experience all its own. thecoveleland.com A Main Street staple, Trish’s Dishes serves up full-flavored options focusing on nutrition. Chef and owner Trish Kropp uses freshly baked bread and select ingredients for her breakfasts, lunches, and weekly dinner specials. Plus, this is a great spot to grab a hot or cold coffee drink as you continue to explore Leland. trishesdishes.com Street Gallery, which represents nearly 40 of northern Michigan’s finest artists. Plus, there’s a lovely sculpture garden to walk through on the river directly behind the gallery. mainstreetgalleryleland.com

Hopping aboard A Lake Trick with Cruise Leelanau allows you to explore the sights of Lake Leelanau and the Leland River from the water! The tour lasts about an hour and a half and costs $50/person. P.S. You’re welcome to bring food and drinks. (231) 866-0351

For chartered fishing excursions on Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, you’ll want to contact Captain Tony Radjenovich of Reelin’ Leland. No fishing gear is necessary, as top-of-the-line equipment is provided. And the best part is, once you catch it, the fish is cleaned and cooked at The Cove! reelinleland.com

The historic heart of a once-active commercial fishing village, Fishtown has been preserved as a living legacy of Michigan’s maritime culture. Visitors can walk through weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, overhanging docks, fish tugs, and charter boats on the Leland River. fishtownmi.org

Lay Your Head

Nestled on 200 feet of private North Lake Leelanau frontage is the Whaleback Inn. With 14 lake-view rooms, a private cottage, and three cottage suites, the inn offers mesmerizing views of the water. Check out the nearby Whaleback Sand Dune and partake in swimming, boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding off the inn’s two docks. whalebackinn.com

For lodging close to restaurants and downtown attractions, consider staying at Falling Waters Lodge, connected to the Leland Dam on the Carp River. Built in the 1960s, this family-owned and operated establishment melds historic vibes with modern amenities and strives to make guests feel like family. fallingwaterslodge.com

For a bit of quintessential northern Michigan relaxation, The Leland Lodge offers rooms and an on-site restaurant to simplify your visit. Open year-round and over 100 years old, the Lodge is within walking distance of numerous attractions, including beaches, a golf course, and Fishtown. It’s also close to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, wine tours, and hiking trails. lelandlodge.com

Main Street Gallery

The Cove's Chubby Mary

Dock It

The Leland Township Marina and its 63 slips are located in the Historic Fishtown District. This marina provides restrooms and showers, gasoline, a dog run, playground, boat launch, and rentals for vehicles, bikes, and kayaks, among many other amenities. (231) 256-9132