TRAVERSE CITY -- The cherry ice cream and barnyard animals appealed to Alyssa Holley, 7. Rabbits, ducks and sheep, in particular.
Her dad liked that she was learning something.
"It's a great education for these guys, and for us," said Scott Holley, a Macomb Township resident whose family took in the National Cherry Festival while on vacation in Traverse City.
The Holleys and other festival attendees learned about climate, environment, pesticides and aspects of cherry farming at a recent Cherry Connection event, held at Michigan State University's Horticultural Research Station in Leelanau County's Bingham Township.
"More people seem to want to learn about cherries and an old-fashioned festival, which is what we're all about here," said Jennifer Berkley, event director.
The Cherry Connection included exhibits by MSU's extension office and the Grand Traverse Conservation District. Cherry samples were available from businesses such as Naturally Nutty and Brownwood Farms.
"We come for the samplings. There's good food, and a good chunk of pie," said Larry Matro, of Suttons Bay. "Because we live here, we like to support the cherry industry in some way."
In addition to food and education, kids enjoyed a petting zoo, face-painting, a cherry pit-spit, hands-on experiments and crafts.
"My favorite part was petting the animals and holding the bunny," said Elizabeth Sadowski, 3, of Maryland.
Guides led the curious through an orchard tour that included instruction on all aspects of the cherry industry.
"I learned that they've got 300 types of sweet cherries," said Elliana Rasmussen, 9, of Big Rapids.
Elliana and her family have been to the Cherry Festival before, and she and her sister were eager to visit other attractions.
"I want to go to the turtle races and I want to do the pie-eating contest," said her sister Adonia, 7.
Approximately 2,800 people visited the MSU Horticultural Research Station during last year's festival, a number Berkley hopes to top this year. More people are interested in the origins of the food they eat, MSU officials said, likely the reason for the cherry tour spike.
"This is a great opportunity for festival-goers to learn more about cherries," Berkley said.
Cherry Connection shuttles provided visitors with transportation to and from the Open Space.
"Our kids have worked on cherry farms and they even go on the tour with us," Tina Matro said. "I think everyone that comes to the Cherry Festival needs to come to this, because this is what it's all about."
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