TRAVERSE CITY — Maple City native David Garvin is an assistant director at the beer tent during this year's National Cherry Festival.
Garvin said his wife became involved with the cherry queen's activities about 20 years ago and he followed about five years later. He said he has been attending the Cherry Festival "a long time."
He initially only worked at the beer tent at night, after finishing his shift at Cone Drive in Traverse City. About six years ago, he retired and expanded his volunteer hours. Garvin can be found at the beer tent from about 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. throughout the week-long event. This year, he said, he will not be there on July 3 or 4, as they are celebrating his wife's birthday and the holiday.
"There's always something to do," Garvin said. "I stay down there and enjoy it. I usually get the volunteers going."
The assistant director makes sure everything is set up, answers questions from volunteer groups and ensures the beer and liquor are flowing. He also has helped remove garbage when needed.
"It's a little bit of everything," he said. "I try to help whenever I can."
The beer tent is located at the Open Space near West Grand Traverse Bay. Garvin said this is the best spot to listen to the nightly performances and watch the airplanes fly overhead. This year, he said the comedy shows — Leanne Morgan on July 2 and Gabriel Iglesias on July 5 — could be fun.
"We're right down there on the water — best view there is," he said. "It's a nice place to meet and have a few cocktails. I think it's fun to see all different kinds of people."
He enjoys interacting with visitors and fellow volunteers — some he only sees once a year, he said.
He added that some people may think the drink prices are high, but the proceeds go back into the Cherry Festival. The money helps pay for the parades and kids' activities.
[Originally published online and in print July 1, 2024]
No comments:
Post a Comment