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Peace group opposes air show, Blue Angels at Cherry Festival

Posted at 9:12 AM, Jun 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-20 09:12:35-04

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A group that advocates for peace says an air show that includes a performance by the Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, shouldn’t be allowed at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City over the July Fourth weekend.

Northern Michigan Veterans for Peace chapter President Tim Keenan tells the Traverse City Record-Eagle the Blue Angels are instruments of war and have no place at the Cherry Festival.

Festival executive director Trevor Tkach said the Blue Angels have been the most popular festival attraction for the past 25 years. He says having the ace pilots fly over Traverse City brings positive attention to the region and the cherry industry.

He says he’s heard overwhelming support for the Blue Angels and the air show.