Agriculture Lesson #6: From Turkey to US, Cherry Picking Farms & 7 Festivals

Cherry Picking, Photo by Krenda

One of my favorite memories about spending time on my grandparent's farm was picking cherries with grandpa.  Peering from the farm house lace curtain decorated windows, I could see the cherry trees.  If I saw too many birds, I might jump up and run out to scare them away.  Grandpa's nets worked better, but I could help too.  Fresh, sweet, tart cherries meant cherry pie.  What a treat!

Turkey wins the title of the world's largest cherry producing country.  However, you don't need to travel to Turkey to experience cherry picking.  The United States ranks as the second highest producer with Washington, California, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Michigan as top sweet cherry producing states.  We chose to find a u-pick cherry farm in Wisconsin.  We visited Hyline Orchards in Fish Creek, Wisconsin (Door County).  Nothing too fancy.  You enter the shop, pay for an empty bucket, and begin picking.

Turkey celebrates cherry agriculture with festivals.  The traditional and well known Polonezkoy festival includes concerts and folk dancing in June.  In the US, many festivals also occur in June and your family can celebrate the harvest and try cherry food items.  I'll list a few options, beginning with Traverse City, Michigan because the city calls itself the "Cherry Capital of the World":

1.  National Cherry Festival; Traverse City, Michigan, June/July
Many competitions including turtle race, cherry pie eating contest, diaper derby, cherry pit contest, sand sculpture contest, art competition, and shuffleboard tournament.  Kids may like the cherry teddy bear tea and chalk art.  Everyone will learn at the orchard tour.

2.  Jacksonport Historical Society Annual Cherry Fest; Jacksonport, WI
Kids will enjoy the penny hunt on the beach, face painting, and horse drawn wagon rides.  Indulge your sweet tooth by purchasing cherry kolaches at the bakery booth.

3.  Leona Valley Cherry Parade and Festival; Leona, CA; June
Many choices because over 20 u-pick cherry orchards within driving distance.  Plus enjoy live music, pie eating contest, and crafts.

4.  Whitehouse Cherry Fest; Whitehouse, OH, June
Entertain friends and family at the carnival rides and 5 min. helicopter rides for $35

5.  Emmett Cherry Festival; Emmett, Idaho, June
Active event including fireman hose competition, softball tourney, and run/walk.  Also visit the train show and parade.  Free admission and free contest entry.

6.  Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival; Polson, Montana
Buy from Montana Made Item vendors and listen to the steel drum band.  Traditional events including pit-spitting and pie eating contests.

7.  Paonia Cherry Days Festival; Paonia, CO
Interesting contests including coal shoveling contest and hula contest.  Get moving at the American Legion dance and Zumba event.  Treat yourself at the ice cream social.  Event also includes Church in the Park and Library Book Sale.