By Marie-Chantal Dalese, Chateau Chantal
On Sunday, May 19th, from 12:30-1pm, Chateau Chantal will host the non-denominational Blessing of the Blossoms service, the origin of the Cherry Festival, with Pastor Melody Olin from the Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church. Complimentary cherry pie, refreshments and musical entertainment will be on hand after the half hour service. Children are encouraged to participate with provided blossom branches as we bless this year’s agricultural bounty on Old Mission Peninsula.
The Blessing Ceremony and refreshments are offered free of charge to the public and do not require a WOMP Blossom Day Event ticket. Should guests wish to participate in the special new release wine tasting at Chateau Chantal and the other nine Old Mission member wineries, they can purchase a wine trail ticket for the Saturday May 18th event at www.wineriesofoldmission.com.
In 1910, the residents of the Old Mission Peninsula created the “blessing of the blossoms” ceremony to pray for a good cherry crop. Over the years more orchards were planted and the ceremony grew as cherries became more important to the region’s economy. In 1925, the cherry growers partnered with Traverse City merchants to create the “Blessing of the Blossoms Festival” to promote the region and the cherry business.
For a number of years, the Fiedrich Tower (across from what is now Chateau Grand Traverse) was the ceremony site. Mr. Fiedrich built the observation tower, dressed it with garlands, and sought to wed tourism and faith in the Blessing ceremony. The location moved to Center Rd and Old Mission on occasion, and on to Bowers Harbor Park where the temptation to float blossoms on the water proved irresistible.
In 1928, the Blessing of the Blossoms was renamed the Michigan Cherry Festival which shortly evolved into the National Cherry Festival.
Chateau Chantal is a unique development that combines a winery, vineyards, bed and breakfast, residence, six private home sites, and winding roads, all of which combine to create a ‘retreat into Northern Hospitality’. The 65-acre site sits high atop a ridge 12 miles north of Traverse City, Michigan on the beautiful and historic Old Mission Peninsula. Chateau Chantal crafts many styles of wine, allowing the grape to dictate the style. The location’s unparalleled views and outstanding staff play host to B&B activities, cooking classes, wine education opportunities, Lunch Tours, conferences and meetings, small weddings, and friendly regional wine events.
