Not only is 2020 the start of a brand new decade, it's also an election year. So we're kicking off a campaign of our own: Vote Cherries 2020! Our platform is simple. Let's support the candidates and causes that make Michigan special -- like our pristine lakes and thriving cherry orchards. Through monthly blogs and videos, we hope to inspire you to join us in this positive and hope-filled initiative. 

Today we kick off the first installment of Vote Cherries 2020 with a nod to our beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This year marks the Park's 50th anniversary of being designated as a National Lakeshore in October of 1970. Since then, it's received worldwide attention -- especially after being named The Most Beautiful Place in America in 2011. Millions of people have visited to experience the beauty of its dunes and vistas, the deep hardwood forests, the pristine shoreline of Lake Michigan, the miles of groomed and paved trails for hikers, bikers, skiers and snowshoers. The Park is a panacea for so many things -- it can calm your spirit, heighten your mood, and get your heart pumping all in one visit!

Since Cherry Republic's inception 30 years ago, we've made a concerted effort to support this gem that happens to exist right in our backyard. From helping to build a stairway down to the beach off Port Oneida Road to pitching in to help clear the Kettles Trail pathway to gifting $100,000 to the Heritage Trail over the years, we have felt called to support the Park.

And now we ask you to join us in supporting the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! Contact the Friends of Sleeping Bear to volunteer or donate money to support their efforts. And be sure to join us at Cherry Public House on Saturday, January 25, from 2-5 p.m. for our 50th Anniversary Celebration. Enjoy a snowshoe hike led by Friends volunteer Kerry Kelly, followed by a hot bowl of chili at Cherry Public House. This is a FREE event with donations accepted to support Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes Park Programs. Plus 10% of Public House sales from the day will benefit the Park.