We are an area in an economic struggle, business's going bankrupt, people out of work, and very little part time work for students. We need EVERY opportunity to make money for our community. I don't recall a public meeting allowing the TRUE PUBLIC to speak. Why consolidate money making opportunities? Unless the Festival committee's only goal is attendance. Obviously it'll be high, but the missing piece is what we are losing by this change? Is it really worth it? Take a look at some downtown shops' year end reports and go from there. If you TRULY care about Traverse City and it's residents!

I made a reservation at Clinch Park Marina without the knowledge of the festival being a week early. I have always planned for the second week of July. I am extemely dissapointed with the lack of consideration on the part of the people responsible for this poor decission.

Rubbish! What are the chances local cherry growers will have sweets ready for tourists at the end of June again in 2013? Does The National Cherry Festival really represent the interests of local cherry growers anymore? How many people on the board of "The City of Traverse City" are actually cherry growers? What about the downtown merchants that rely on the 2 week bump in business?

tammy...you're right. tc is the "city of festivals". the 4th has nothing to do with our celebration of cherries. i personally can't remember a Cherry Festival in June....surprised the change was made without public input.

Amy...
The City of Traverse City requested that the National Cherry Festival consider setting its 2013 dates to include the Fourth of July. Many community members and out of town guests have an expectation that the National Cherry Festival will be open during the Fourth," says Trevor Tkach