Blenheim’s trademark Cherryfest and Sidewalk Days summer event is fast approaching.
The annual affair has food, fun and entertainment for all ages.
Mike Russelo, president of the Blenheim BIA, is looking forward to the three-day spectacle.
“It’s going to be a really good year,” he said, adding one caveat. “There’s always the weather thing. If we get good weather, it’s going to be a really sweet time.”
From July 17-19, Blenheim’s core transforms into a pedestrian playground, with shopping, midway, food and entertainment dominating the downtown.
Russelo said the organizing committee has listened to attendees for ways to make the Cherryfest experience even better. Those tweaks include a shuttle bus to alleviate parking problems in the downtown. The bus runs from Sobey’s parking lot on Chatham Street North to the core and back, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and until about 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Wheelchair ramps will be installed at key points along Talbot Street as well.
“We listened to some of the challenges. Parking was one. So we got the shuttle bus,” Russelo said. “And it’s hard for people to get around with strollers and wheelchairs. There will now be wheelchair ramps so the sidewalk is accessible.”
Improving access helps improve the overall experience by visitors. After all, there’s a lot to do and see.
The Mainstreet Stage will once again be set up on the north end of “Cherry Central,” George Street. And entertainment takes place there Thursday and Friday.
It begins with local dance and gymnastic troupes showcasing their skills, and ramps up to music Thursday evening when the ever-popular Cherry-oke returns. Russelo said the most memorable performance will earn the top prize, not necessarily the best singer.
“It brings more folks into it. It has turned into a more entertaining show,” he said.
On Friday, the tunes crank up about 3 p.m., with local bands performing as a leadup to Friday night headliner Carson Janik.
Bayside Brewing will run a beer tent Friday night to keep adults refreshed.
Saturday is chock full of fun, beginning with the pie-baking contest. Interested participants can go to the Blenheim BIA website to register, or stop in at Ford & McIntyre Men’s Wear or the Blenheim News Tribune on Talbot Street to sign up in person.
Russelo said the pies will be judged and awards will be doled out.
As for the pies post-contest, he said they’ll be auctioned off and the proceeds will support the local food bank.
Following the baking, it’s time for the eating – the pie eating that is. The annual event, which features contestants face-deep in cherry pies, is slated to take place at that time.
The pit spitting competitions take over George Street after the pie consumption contest.
Music shifts to the west end of the downtown corridor on Saturday, and live tunes will be enjoyed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Russelo said.
As if that wasn’t enough, Russelo said there will be helicopter rides and busking.
The helicopter rides, offered by Zimmer Air, will take place by the Blenheim Medical Hub on Chatham Street North.
The busking will run in the downtown.
During all this, the midway will swirl about and entertain the young and the young at heart. It runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Saturday.
Russelo said $30 buys a bracelet for all-day rides.
Through it all, downtown merchants are holding sidewalk sales and many stores are staying open later into the early evening Thursday and Friday.
On top of all that, Russelo said there will be a 50/50 draw on the weekend, with proceeds going to the Blenheim Medical Hub.
The Ridge Land Community Trust and Experience Ontario are key sponsors of Cherryfest, but Russelo said “everybody form the community also pitches in.”
