FIRST FESTIVAL -- Held in 1926 ANNUAL ATTENDANCE -- Over 500,000 over eight days PROGRAM -- 150 events and activities (85 percent are free) SOURCES OF INCOME -- Event Sponsors, Local Membership, ticket sales MISSION OF FESTIVAL -- The mission of the National Cherry Festival is to celebrate cherries, tourism and community involvement. PROMOTION Through promotional material, including regionally and nationally distributed brochures; news releases; feature stories in national media; National Cherry Queen tours and appearances; interchange with other major festivals in the country; 60,000 Festival week programs; Midwest media blitzes; highway billboards personal presentations OPERATION OF FESTIVAL -- Minimum of 35,000 volunteer hours and 10,000 staff hours each year FESTIVAL EXPENDITURES -- Over 75 percent of dollars spent by Festival remain in the area ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS -- International Festival and Event Association; Michigan Festival and Events Association -- Mid-American Competing Band Directors Association FESTIVAL PUBLICATIONS -- "Cherry Creations -- The Ultimate Cherry Cookbook" (distributed nationally) -- "Hidden Cherries" -- Mackinac Island Press RECOGNITION -- Top Ten Events by USA Today, 1999, 1998, 1997 -- Embassy of Michigan Tourism Award -- 1976 -- Governor's Declaration honoring the Festival's 50th anniversary -- 1976 -- Joint Resolution honoring the Festival's 50th anniversary by Michigan House and Senate -- 1976 -- Publication awards, national competition -- 1972, 1975, 1978, and 1982 -- Annually rated in top 100 Festivals and Events in North America by the A.B.A. -- Named Michigan's favorite Festival by AAA Michigan Living Magazine Page two -- Circulation: 1,000,000 SPECIAL GUESTS & DIGNITARIES Miss America, Kirsten Haglund -- 2008 Dallas Drake, Detroit Red Wings -- 2008 Carter Oosterhouse - HGTV & TLC -- 2007 NASA Astronaut, Jerry Linenger-- 2003 Governor, Jennifer Granholm -- 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 Bryan McElwain, NY Firefighter Co. Engine #201 -- 2002 Paris Children's Choir-- 2000 Leave it to Beaver's Jerry Mathers -- 1998 Beverly Hillbillies, Donna Douglas -- 1998 Good Morning America Weatherman, Spencer Christian -- 1989, 1993, 1998 U.S. Navy Blue Angels -- 1988, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 Stanley Cup Goalie, Detroit Red Wing Kevin Hodson -- 1997 Brigadier General ,George K. Anderson -- 1992 Phoenix Suns Dan Majerle -- 1991 PGA Touring Professional Dan Pohl -- 1989 Former Astronaut James Lovell -- 1985 From Disney World, Orlando FL: Goofy -- 1987 Minnie Mouse -- 1986 Donald Duck -- 1985 Mickey Mouse -- 1984 Budweiser Clydesdales -- 1984, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003 Today Show Weatherman Willard Scott -- 1983 Hockey great Gordie Howe -- 1982 U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds -- 1978, 1990 Bob Hope -- 1978 President Gerald R. Ford -- 1975 Entertainment Benefits Kids -- Free events for kids -- Cherry pie eating, Turtle Races, Pet Show, Sand Sculpture, Junior Arts/Crafts, Midway, Prince/Princess Program, and Kids Parade Special Kids -- Only event like it in the Midwest -- Provides mentally and physically challenged kids all types of activities. Past activities include: Elephant Laura rides, carnival midway, "fun and games" program in the Open Space Park Seniors -- Lots of activities for seniors -- Golf, shuffleboard, bowling, Euchre Families -- Open Space Park: Entertainment Stage, Cherry Farm Market, Air Shows, Food and Beverage, Souvenirs, Fireworks -- Downtown: Junior Royale and Cherry Royale Parades, Cherries Grand Buffet -- Other: Family Car and Truck Show
