California writer Anne Z. Cooke is wowed by all things cherry at Traverse City's annual weeklong ode to the fruit -- but laments her round-one Pit Spit washout. A summer fave since 1926, this year's fest runs July 3-10.
An excerpt:
Two parades wind through downtown Traverse City. The headliner Cherry Royale Parade, with 150 marching bands and elaborately decorated floats, takes place on the festival's final day. The Junior Royale Parade, staged by local schoolchildren, is midweek.
Cherries, of course, are always present. Buy your lunch at the Pavilion Food Court, a group of booths manned by a dozen local eateries offering different menus. You'll be amazed at the ways fresh and dried cherries are used in desserts, chicken and pork dishes, pancakes, pickles, jam and salads.
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