22nd Flathead Cherry Festival set for this weekend

Downtown Polson welcomes back the annual Cherry Festival this weekend, July 31 and Aug. 1. The annual event, a decadeslong collaboration between the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers and Polson Business Community to celebrate the history and future of this renowned cherry growing region, has been moved to a few weeks later than in the past to coincide with the peak of Flathead Cherry season.

Visitors will find “Cherry Alley” just off Main Street on Third Avenue West, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live music courtesy of Chamber art ambassador Kelsey Lynn, along with a food court, 100 vendors and cherry history displays and activities.

A curated selection of Montana and regional artists, including works by Chamber art ambassador Victor Perez, vendors and freshly baked treats, including cherry pie, will offer something for everyone. Growers will bring truckloads of cherries, and blocks of Main Street businesses will be open for festival goers. Alyssa Kennamer is baking 400 cherry pies and other treats for the occasion.

Start off both mornings with the Polson Chamber pancake breakfast at the Elks Club with pancakes, bacon, juice and coffee for $5. Proceeds support the 2022 Fireworks Fund and other Chamber projects.

A chalk art competition takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday in front of the Cove Deli and Pizza. Hosted by Sara Walt Weaver, the event is open to all ages, with prizes of $50 in Polson Business Community’s “PBC Bucks” for three different age categories. Chalk will be provided, and judging will take place at 5 pm. Artist Josh Quick will be creating a chalk piece for the festival and offering signed copies of his book, “Montana Quick Facts.”

The Flathead Cherry Growers have assembled recipes and information at montanacherries.com.

For more festival information contact polsonbusinesscommunity@gmail.com, visit the Polson Business Community Facebook page or call 258-8178.