TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- Citing safety and health concerns for the entire community, including “guests, volunteers, and staff,” organizers of the National Cherry Festival announced today it is canceling this year’s 2020 event.
“We did not make this decision lightly,” said Kat Paye, National Cherry Festival executive director, in a release.
“At each and every step we took into account not only the time and effort that goes into planning this festival, but also the impact on the economy of our area."
Even though the release did not directly refer to the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, it did say "with the uncertainty of the times, we are unable to be fully confident in the fact that it will be safe to gather and celebrate the first week of July 2020.”
Originally scheduled for July 4-11, the festival typically features family events, parades, massive fireworks displays, queen pageant, main stage concerts, free activities for kids, an air show, running races and a marketplace featuring local cherry farmers.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels were scheduled to perform July 4-5.
The festival, which dates back to 1926, attracts more than 500,000 visitors over eight days, according to organizers. It has been ranked as one of the top festivals in the country.
“Not only is the Festival a beloved national tradition, it’s a key economic driver for our region," said Trevor Tkach, president and CEO of Traverse City Tourism, and the former executive director of the festival.
"It’s painful to see organizers cancel the 2020 event, but prioritizing the health and safety of festival goers, volunteers and the community is the honorable thing to do.”
Tkach said he believes this is the right decision for festival’s long-term success.
“We appreciate the support of local community leaders and organizations, with this difficult decision,” he said in the release. “We know that it is the correct decision for the community and to ensure the celebration of cherries can go on for the next 100 years.”
Tickets have been sold for two concerts: REO Speedwagon was to perform July 8, and Collective Soul and Everclear were scheduled for July 11.
Organizers said information regarding refunds will be announced in the coming days, as well as information about the festival races.
They encourage fans to look for more information on Facebook or go to cherryfestival.org.
The dates for next year’s Cherry Festival are July 3-10, 2021.