During the 1920s, Loveland boasted the largest cherry orchard to the west of the Mississippi River and was famous for producing over $1 million in cherries every year. The Loveland Cherry Celebration seeks to recognize Loveland’s local heritage as once being a home to more than 10,000 acres of cherry orchards from the 1920s through the 1960s.
The Loveland Museum will continue to commemorate Loveland’s longstanding connection with the cherry industry by hosting the Loveland Cherry Celebration on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. in Peters Park and the parking lot next to the Loveland Museum. The 2024 Celebration supports local vendors, artisans, nonprofit organizations and the community at large by providing an annual event with community, fun and music.
Art of the Tart Cherry Pie Contest
The Art of the Tart Cherry Pie contest will have two categories: adult and youth. Pies must be received at the contest table between 4-4:45 p.m. Category winners will be announced at 6:40 p.m. Pies will be evaluated based on flavor, appearance, crust, filling, texture and overall impression. Judges will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for the best adult and youth pies. Prizes will be awarded. Commercially baked pies are not allowed. All pies must be prepared within 24 hours of the 4:45 p.m. deadline.
Pre-Cherry Celebration Event & Lecture
Learn more about the Loveland cash crop, how and where they were processed and why the industry faded in a presentation from historian Sharon Danhauer from 4-5 p.m. at the Loveland Museum. Afterward, commemorate the fruit’s rich Loveland history at the Cherry Celebration outside the museum.
2024 Cherry Celebration Events
- 4-4:45 p.m. – Art of the Tart Cherry Pie contest drop-off period
- 4-5 p.m. – Lecture from Sharon Danhauer at the Loveland Museum
- 5-8 p.m. – Kids activities, vendors, food trucks, cherry goods market, art
- 5-6:15 p.m. – Live music by Serpentine
- 6:40 p.m. – Winners of the Art of Tart Cherry Pie contest announced
- 6:45-8 p.m. – Live music by Cipriano Ortega
For more information about the 2024 Loveland Cherry Celebration, visit thelovelandmuseum.org/loveland-cherry-celebration or contact the Loveland Museum at 970.962.2410.
Cherry Celebration Funding
The Loveland Cherry Celebration is funded by the City of Loveland’s General Fund as it is presented by the Loveland Museum. The Loveland Museum is in the Cultural Services Department within the City of Loveland.