One of the oldest and unique aspects of the Blossomtime Festival will be staged this Sunday afternoon, amid the quiet solitude of fields and orchards east of Benton Harbor. It’s the Blessing of the Blossoms, the official start of the weeklong observance of Blossomtime in Michigan’s Great Southwest!
Blessing of the Blossoms
Sunday, May 6, 2024, 2:00 pm
Michigan State University Research & Extension
1737 Hillandale Road, Benton Harbor
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The Blessing of the Blossoms was first held by the Rev. W. J. Cady in 1906 and is credited as the beginning of the Blossomtime Festival. The Blessing of the Blossoms is a non-denominational service that is the foundation and the core of the Blossomtime Festival itself.
The Blessing of the Blossoms will include Miss and Mr. Blossomtime and their Courts, Miss Teen Blossomtime, Miss Junior Teen Blossomtime, the Bud Prince & Princess, and 2024 Community Queens, as well as clergy from participating communities. The event is designed to celebrate the blessings of the past and ask for God’s blessing on this year’s season in a multi-community setting of reverence and fellowship.
The Blessing of the Blossoms is sponsored once again this year by Florin Funeral Services in memory of H. Paul Florin; He was a long-time supporter and Board member of the Blossomtime Festival for over 40 years.
Following the Blessing of the Blossoms, at 3:30pm, Blossomtime Royalty will take part in the second annual Blossomtime softball game, Queens/Kings vs the Blossomtime Volunteers. This event is open to the public and free of charge. Come watch the fun and cheer on your favorite team at the Kohn Sports Complex, 6161 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville.
For further information, please contact the Blossomtime Office by calling 269-982-8016 or emailing office@blossomtimefestival.org.
