WHITEHOUSE – With 15 musical acts, and the Anthony Wayne Marching Generals leading the parade, the three-day Whitehouse Cherry Fest promises a toe-tapping good time.
“This year, our festival is a music-lover’s celebration and a chance to gather with neighbors, family and friends while enjoying the great vendors, events, food and rides you’ve come to love,” said Zak Weimer, president of the Anthony Wayne Community Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the event.
Held Thursday, June 11 through Saturday, June 13 in Whitehouse Park, the Cherry Fest is open rain or shine, with free parking and free admission. Opening ceremonies are Thursday at 6 p.m. in the park pavilion.
Thursday
Thursday is Military Appreciation Night, raising funds for Task Force 20. Founded by 1998 AW graduate and Army veteran Jason Graven, the nonprofit TF20 provides one-year, paid-in-full gym memberships, personal training and camaraderie-building events for military veterans. Head over to the Beer + Wine Garden at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy food by Big Qs BBQ and music by Baja Fog at 6:30 p.m. and the Justin Marchand Trio at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 and proceeds benefit Task Force 20.
Rides are open from 6 to 10 p.m. with wristband specials. At 7 p.m., Little Miss Cherry Blossom, Junior Miss Cherry Blossom and Cherry Fest Queen will be crowned in the pavilion, followed by a demonstration with Turner Martial Arts at 8 p.m.
Friday
Festival hours are noon to 11 p.m. with street vendors open until dusk and rides open from 1 to 11 p.m.
Four bands are on the lineup for the Pavilion Stage: Jon Breyfogle, 1 p.m.; Terry & Charlie, 3 p.m.; the Ben DeLong Band, 5 p.m.; and the JT Hayden Band, 7 p.m.
The Beer + Wine Garden is open from 4 to 11 p.m. with Hit & Run performing at 4 p.m. and the Skittle Bots at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5. Purchase a commemorative wristband for $5 and gain admission into the Beer + Wine Garden both nights at no additional cost.
For those entering a cherry dessert in the competition, drop off is by 6:15 p.m. with judging beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday
Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., with vendors open from 9 a.m. to dusk and rides open from noon to 11 p.m.
Stop by the Whitehouse Historical Society’s 1840s log home for a tour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Along the way, also visit Ludwig Watch, Clock and Jewelry at 19094 Maumee St. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids can search the sand for a gem to take home on an elastic necklace or bracelet.
Whitehouse Fire Company is hosting its 73rd annual Chicken BBQ in the park, with delicious grilled chicken from noon until the meals sell out. Just follow your nose to the park shelterhouse. Meals are $14 and chicken only is $9. Bring cash, or pay a 5 percent additional fee for credit cards.
Bring a chair, blanket and a bag to hold candy for the Cherry Fest Parade, presented by Adventure Spirits Distilling, which steps off at 1 p.m., leaving Oakbrook Drive, heading east on Waterville Street and north on Providence Street by the park, ending at Whitehouse Primary School.
Among the more than 50 parade entries will be grand marshals Richard Snyder and Tom Vincent – who recently retired after more than 30 years of serving as volunteer firefighters with the village. The Whitehouse American Legion Post 384 Color Guard, the Anthony Wayne Marching Generals, churches, local organizations, sports teams and the village mayor and council, along with kid mayor and council, are among the participants in the parade.
Following the parade, sign up to get your fill of cherry pie, with a pie-eating contest in the park pavilion at 2 p.m.
Throughout the day, expect to be entertained. At noon, Jackson Price pays tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, on the Pavilion Stage. The Shutters Trio, featuring Chris Shutters, Muddy Shutters and their four-year-old son, Bowen, on drums, will entertain beginning at 3 p.m., followed by Kaiden Chase at 5 p.m. and Vinyl on Tap at 6 p.m.
The Beer + Wine Garden is open from 2 to 11 p.m. and will feature three bands on its main stage: Strawberry Kush at 2 p.m., EZ Pickenz at 4 p.m. and Distant Cousinz at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5, or free for those who purchased a $5 commemorative wristband on Friday.
Throughout the event, the village police and management will be focused on the safety of residents, visitors, vendors and event staff, said Police Chief Allan Baer. Expect significant law enforcement presence, with officers patrolling the festival grounds, surrounding neighborhoods, parking areas and other high-traffic areas.
“Our officers will be proactive in addressing unruly, disorderly or unlawful behavior to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and family-friendly atmosphere,” Baer said. “While our officers will be working diligently throughout the festival, public safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage everyone to remain aware of their surroundings and immediately report any suspicious activity, concerning behavior, unattended items, or situations that appear out of place. By working together, we can make this festival a safe, enjoyable, and memorable event for everyone.”
For information on the event, and for any updates to the schedule, visit awchamber.com/cherry-fest.
