A Great Colorado Food Celebration Changes Name to Set Things Straight

While many of the festival's events will stay the same, the name that they did have just wasn't exactly "right." One Saturday in summer will see this Colorado town light up to celebrate a part of its heritage.

Three hours just doesn't seem long enough, but that's plenty to take it all in. You had better come ready for "Mayberry"-like fun with live music, vendors, kids' activities, and a baking contest.

For decades, Loveland, Colorado, has celebrated its history of having over 10,000 acres of cherry orchards in town. The celebration mostly centered around one thing: Cherry pies. Just like Loveland doesn't have as many cherry trees as it once had, things change; and the celebration has changed, too.

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Loveland Museum has been coordinating and hosting the annual Cherry Pie Festival "forever," as they say. While the name of the event has changed it will still take place outside the museum at Peters Park and the parking lot nearby.

WHAT IS THE NEW NAME?

The Loveland Cherry Pie Festival/Celebration is now the Loveland Cherry Celebration. It's definitely a subtle change, but when you look at how the event is (even more so now) more than just cherry pies.

WHAT ELSE HAS CHANGED?

One thing that you may want to keep in mind, is that they won't be serving slices of pie along with ice cream like they used to. The Larimer County Health Department was never really happy about that, so it's been eliminated.

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The Celebration will be about cherry pies, yes, but also about cherry goods, other foods, and activities. It will have a farmers market feel, with vendors and non-profits. Two live bands are set to perform during the three-hour Celebration.

WHAT ABOUT THE PIE-BAKING CONTEST?

The "Art of the Tart' Cherry Pie Contest remains. They'll have two categories, one for adults, and one for youth. The pies will be judged on flavor, appearance, crust, filling, texture, and overall appeal. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for the adults and youths.

LOVELAND'S CHERRY CELEBRATION

• Saturday, July 15, 2023.
• Peters Park, Downtown.
• 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Free to attend.
• 5 p.m. band: The Beloved Invaders
• 6:30 p.m.: Cherry Pie Contest Winners announced.
• 6:45 p.m. band: Rusty 44.