It’s time to start getting your taste buds ready and your cherry-picking fingers prepared because the annual Bruno Cherry Festival is set for Aug. 16.
As usual, there will be a cherry-themed trade show and the regular food such as smokies and hamburgers, as well as the famous cherry sundaes. This year, the elephant ears with cherry sauce will also be brought back. The morning will begin with a pancake breakfast that lasts until noon.
There will be the cherry land express train for kids and other kids’ activities. The cherry U-Pick will be open starting the end of July and most of August.
“(The cherries) are growing quite nicely. We were a bit concerned because of the dry period, but last year there was a frost that killed the blossoms,” said Catherine Renneberg, the co-ordinator for the festival. “But (those frosts) boost production the next year and so the next crop is always better. We’re really seeing that this year. Some are really nice and ripe this year.”
Renneberg says the trade show will have everything from nutrition to makeup to children’s clothing and some people will bring their plants and fruit trees.
As for entertainment, there will be Russian dancers, some local artists, an older polka band, and a variety of other acts.
There was some concern following last year’s festival that this year wouldn’t happen because of all the work that caused burnout with the volunteers. Fortunately, Renneberg said they’ve gotten assistance from local businesses, so the organization of the event will be slightly revamped this year.
“This year, we went around to local businesses to ask if they wanted to pay for advertising and paid sponsorship, (so we could have) some kind of financial support to make it more sustainable. So this year it might look different in terms of advertising,” said Renneberg. “The food will be broken up into exhibitionist style vendor tables instead of it all being under one tent.”
Renneberg said they’re also doing a bit of sponsorship incentive so that they could have some funds carry over into next year. If they can raise enough money, she’s hoping they can bring in some headlining bands for the next festival.
“Although it’s been a challenge in the past, it’s really looking great. We’re really excited for this year,” said Renneberg.
