National Cherry Festival celebrates 100 years

This holiday weekend comes with two big milestones. America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, and the National Cherry Festival turns 100. The festival’s roots go back to 1910 when cherry growers held “Blessing of the Blossoms” ceremonies to honor the harvest. By 1925, it was official. Local businesses teamed up with farmers, and the first Cherry Queen was crowned. A year later, Traverse City sent President Calvin Coolidge a three-foot cherry pie packed with more than 5,000 cherries. Since then, presidents, Navy ships, and the Thunderbirds have all been part of the tradition. Now, the centennial festival runs July Fourth through July 11 with parades, concerts, air shows and a first-ever nighttime air show over West Grand Traverse Bay. The executive director of the National Cherry Festival, Kat Paye, joined Local 4 Live to talk about the big centennial.