Crews and vendors are busy in North East setting up for the 75th Cherry Festival, set to kick off on Wednesday.

“It’s very big for us especially after not having it for two years,” Sue Wilson, one of the co-chairs of the festival said.

Organizers are happy to have this fundraiser back in person, with people from all over the region gathering and raising money for the fire departments but this festival starts just two days after our nation saw another mass shooting, this time at a fourth of July parade near Chicago.

“Things happen anywhere and everywhere,” Wilson said. “So unfortunately we have to be aware of all that.”
She said even though North East might seem like a safe rural area, these types of tragedies can happen anywhere. That is why they are being extra vigilant. Along with local law enforcement and fire fighters, the festival will also be equipped with a security company.

“It is very important to all of us right now,” Wilson said. “We gotta keep everyone safe.”

Wilson is confident that people can enjoy the food, games and rides, while also being able to feel safe because of the hard work of these two fire departments putting on the festival.

The festival starts Wednesday at 5:30 and will run through Saturday evening. The parade is Saturday at 2pm along Main Street in North East.

This is the first time since the pandemic started that the festival will be in person, instead of drive-thru.