TRAVERSE CITY — Jamie Callahan's experience with the National Cherry Festival goes back more than 40 years, when he was a child. He and his sister assisted their parents every year.
"It's a family thing, a family tradition," Callahan said. "I've done it pretty much most of my life."
The Traverse City native is now the co-director of the Pepsi concessions tent at the Open Space. He said he took over the position from his parents a few years ago.
A typical day, Callahan said, involves about 13 hours of work. He helps set up before the tent opens at 10 a.m. He stays in the food court area until 11 p.m. each night.
"We keep serving Pepsi and serving the community," he said. "To continue to do it every year is something I look forward to."
He said the volunteers fun to work with, and he gets to meet many customers from different places.
His other involvement with the Cherry Festival includes serving on the Board of Directors and as the president. He said he even worked as a marketing intern in the festival office after college.
"I really enjoy it," he said. "I love being able to serve our community. The Grand Traverse area wouldn't be the same without Cherry Fest."
Callahan previously worked in the Michigan legislature and is currently running for Grand Traverse County treasurer. He is also an independent contractor for a siding installation company. He added that he volunteers with a local Boy Scouts troop when he is not with the Cherry Festival.
[Originally published online and in print July 4, 2024]
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