MICHIGAN SENATE
Senate Resolution No. 121
Offered by Senators Damoose, McMorrow and Santana
A RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE
MAY 22, 2024, AS CHERRY INDUSTRY DAY
WHEREAS, One of the most beautiful sites in Michigan or anywhere in the
world during the month of May is the blossoming of the cherries trees; and
WHEREAS, Michigan is the number one cherry producing state in the nation
and is the unofficial “Cherry Capitol of the World”; and
WHEREAS, Our state hosts the world’s largest cherry celebration, the
National Cherry Festival. It takes place each July in Traverse City, Michigan,
welcoming more than 500,000 people to celebrate and promote cherries,
community involvement, and the Grand Traverse region; and
WHEREAS, In 1926, the first ‘Blessing of the Blossoms Festival’ was held on this
date before evolving into the National Cherry Festival as we know it today; and
WHEREAS, The United States (U.S.) produces about 610 million pounds of
sweet and tart cherries each year, with Michigan producing the largest tart
cherry crop. An average of almost 250 million pounds of tart cherries are
harvested each year, with 75 percent coming from our state; and
WHEREAS, Cherries contain powerful antioxidants that may help fight
cancer, heart disease, and relieve pain associated with arthritis. Tart cherries
are especially high in the antioxidant melatonin, which may help prevent or
reduce brain deterioration associated with aging. Additionally, cherries are high
in vitamin A and beta-carotene; and
WHEREAS, The Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI) was formed in 1988 and
is funded by U.S. tart cherry growers. The goal of the CMI is to increase the use
of cherries through promotion, market expansion, product development, and
research; and
WHEREAS, Growers, processors, and merchants continue to support the
Grand Traverse region with community support and a push promote the impact
and benefits of the cherry harvest; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the members of this legislative body
commemorate May 22, 2024, as Cherry Industry Day.
Adopted by the Senate, May 22, 2024.
Secretary of the Senate