25 Years In The Republic

One of the region's biggest promoters of cherries is turning 25.

Cherry Republic has grown from a one-man operation – founder Bob Sutherland selling "Life, Liberty, Beaches, & Pie" t-shirts from the trunk of his car – to the world's largest exclusive retailer of cherry food creations, selling more than 170 products from four retail locations.

The official celebration kicks off this Friday, July 25, when the Glen Arbor headquarters will host two days of cherry fun, including pie-eating and pit-spitting contests, cherry bingo, face painting, and a cherry BBQ and talent show on Saturday evening. A full schedule of events is available here.