Whitehouse ready for 28th annual Cherry Fest celebration
6/9/2010In the village of Whitehouse, residents each year put on a mighty big party for a small, fleshy fruit with a smooth, hard pit.
The 28th annual celebration for the cheery cherry begins blossoming tomorrow night, and the three-day event will wrap up following a blast of fireworks at 10 p.m. Saturday.
There will be cherry pies, cherry fritters, cherry wine, a cherry queen, a cherry cafe, and, too, a dedication of a cherry tree.
New this year are 30 larger rides and attractions, a larger car show, and a wine tasting.
Hours for the event are 6 to 10 p.m. tomorrow; noon to midnight Friday, and 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday at the village park in downtown Whitehouse.
Featured events include the ever-popular parade at noon Saturday. Grand marshals for the parade are local residents Norb and Judy Miller.
Nearly 100 volunteer ambassadors from the Whitehouse Area Chamber of Commerce will be on hand to welcome visitors. The event annually draws about 12,000 to 15,000 people, said Josh Torres, president and CEO of the chamber of commerce.
During Family Fun Night tomorrow, activities include the crowning of Little Miss Cherry Blossom and the Miss Cherry Queen. Amusement rides, a beer and wine garden, entertainment, and food vendors are included in the lineup.
On Friday there will be arts, crafts, retail, and food vendors; amusement rides and attractions; fresh cherry pies and desserts; live entertainment, and a beer and wine garden featuring cherry wine.
Saturday's activities include a pancake breakfast, a car show, the grand parade, barbecued chicken dinners prepared by the Whitehouse fire department, and the fireworks show. Dedication of a cherry tree will take place at 3 p.m. in the park.
Proceeds from the Cherry Fest are used for the preservation of Village Park and projects that promote the environment within the park and community.
- Janet Romaker