Pin Program

Go for the Gold Commemorative Pin Program

SPONSORED BY NORTHERN MICHIGAN TOYOTA DEALERS & UNITED AIRLINES

Take home a festival keepsake! Commemorative pins will be available for $5, with the possibility of winning one of the grand prizes. Commemorative pins will also be needed for entry into the beer tent. Gold pin entry forms may be turned in at the pin tent. Winners do not need to be present to win.

FESTIVAL OPEN SPACE MARKETPLACE AT GRANDVIEW PARKWAY AND UNION STREET

Pin Program Information

The National Cherry Festival is pleased to continue the tradition of the Go for the Gold Commemorative Pin Program. An envelope with a pin costs $5. The envelope may contain a silver pin or a gold pin. A pin is necessary for entrance into the beer tent; the same pin works during the entire festival. Look for pin sellers with one of the 200 black and red bags. The pin tent will also have a display of all years of silver pins.

A gold pin comes with a “Go for the Gold“ entry form to turn in at the pin tent in the Open Space. For official rules & prizes are listed below.

Winners need not be present to win. Winners must be 18 years old or older. Out of every 100 pins, 8 will be gold. For the collector, pins from some previous years will be available for sale at the pin tent. The pin program is looking for gold pins from some years to complete a set of gold pins for display. Check your drawers and pockets to help the pin program out.

Our Pin Program Hero Volunteer

Peter Garthe is one of our many cherished volunteers. He's been a longstanding character within the festival's culture and a community darling. For over 20 years he's been saying "1,2,3...Boogie!" motivating people to take a chance at picking a winning pin. We love Peter and all he has done for the festival. We cannot say THANK YOU enough!

Peter Garthe: Pin Ambassador

Peter started selling pins in 1990 and has been selling commemorative pins every year since. In 1993, Peter became the top pin seller, a title he has held ever since. He has won the National Cherry Festival Pin Sales Champion award more than 30 times and is determined to achieve another victory this year! With a 30-year career in pin sales, Peter has sold over 250,000 pins. Peter was born and raised in Traverse City, MI. In addition to his involvement in the Festival, he also works as a basketball referee for local high school teams. The locals are well aware of Peter's story, and many exclusively purchase their pins from him. Before the Festival, you can spot Peter biking around Traverse City, Acme, and Greilickville & Chum's Corner, visiting local businesses to ensure everyone has obtained their Festival Commemorative Pin for the year. The National Cherry Festival considers itself lucky to have Peter's dedication and support year after year!

Peter keeps a running tally of how many pins he has sold over the years. Ask him how many pins he's sold by year! He has them all memorized.

Go For The Gold Rules

Raffle License Number R73585

• Gold pin qualifiers (or designee) must register their gold pin entry form, found in the pin envelope, the National Cherry Festival office at 521 S Union St, Traverse City, Michigan 49684 by placing the entry for in designated mailbox or at the Pin Tent located in the Open Space Park by 4:00pm on Saturday, July 6, 2024
• All entries must contain a legible name and a working phone number.
• The entry form stating "Gold Pin Entry Form" is required to be part of the semifinalist drawing.
• Thirty semifinalists will be drawn on July 6, 2024 Ten (10) will be drawn at 3:45pm, Ten (10) drawn 4:15pm and ten (10) drawn at 4:45pm with the Grand Prize drawing happening at 5pm. This event will be held will be held in person at the Lay's Cherry Blast Stage.
• National Cherry Festival prizes may not be substituted or redeemed for cash. Winners' rights may not be transferred or assigned.
• Arrangements for prize pickup must be made with The Festival Foundation dba National Cherry Festival, by August 16, 2024.
• If a winner of one of the 2024 Go for the Gold prizes declines to accept, a drawing from the remaining non-winning semifinalists will be made to determine a new winner.
• Pin purchase price is $5.00.
• The odds of choosing a gold pin are 1:12.5.
• No refund or exchange of pins purchased is allowed.
• To participate, you must be 18 years of age or older.
• You need not be present to win.
• Prize winners are responsible for federal, state, and local taxes and delivery fees, and licensing fees.
• Pin purchasers or winners grant The Festival Foundation without additional compensation, permission to use their names, addresses, and photos in advertising publicity and follow-up marketing.
• Persons in any of the following categories are not eligible to participate: employees and immediate family members of The Festival Foundation, persons engaged in any way with the production or development of this promotion, or employees or agents of any Prize Sponsor. Festival volunteers, other than the Pin Program Event Directors, are eligible to win.
• 2024 Go for the Gold Pin Purchase Rules are effective April 1, 2024.

2024 Prizes
Grand Prize: Two-year Lease on a Toyota Camry

2nd Place Prize: Two Round Trip Flight Vouchers on United Airlines
3rd Place Prize: $600 Gift Card from TrueNorth