More drama in downtown Lansing. The battle is on to see which fruit will be the official fruit of the State of Michigan - cherries or blueberries.

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According to WZZM13.com, House Bill No. 5574 states: “The cherry is designated as the official fruit of this state". The push is on - this bill has nine sponsors and has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations. Their argument: Michigan is the leading producer of tart cherries in the United States (with over 200 million pounds harvested in 2018). The National Cherry Festival is held every July in Traverse City.

But blueberries are not taking this laying down. Many people In Michigan think blueberries should be the state fruit. Michigan is the leading producer of highbush blueberries in the U.S. (over 100 million pounds harvested annually). The National Blueberry Festival is held in South Haven every August.

What about Michigan apples? They want no part of this fight. The apple blossom is already the state flower. And with 900 million pounds of apples produced every year in Michigan, the apple sits on the fence drinking spiked cider, while the cherry and the blueberry brawl with each other.

 

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