1999 Blossomtime Festival Youth Parade Clowns. Photo: Dennis Hafer, Hafer Photography

Blossomtime Festival

One of the largest festivals honoring agriculture in the nation, a "celebration of life renewed," Blossomtime is held annually in the area of the twin cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, Michigan. Begun in 1906 when Rev. W.J. Cady of the First Congregational Church in Benton Harbor declared Blossom Sunday and urged everyone to drive through the orchards, Blossomtime's religious roots are recalled today with the annual Blessing of the Blossoms. The event also includes the crowning of Miss Blossomtime, a Bud Prince and Princess Pageant, a carnival, an author and celebrity reception, an arts and crafts fair, a run, bicycle ride, and a parade, the signature event of the festival.

Originally submitted by: Fred Upton, Representative (6th District).

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