Leelanau County should be ready to burst into millions of flowers just as the Leelanau County Cherry Blossom Tour unfolds on Saturday, May 16.

While cool weather is delaying the progress of blossoms, the tour was set back six days from its 2008 date in hopes of hitting that special time in Leelanau County when thousands of acres planted in cherry trees come into full bloom. Leelanau hosts more tart cherry trees than any other county in America.

Nikki Rothwell, director of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center in Leelanau County, said cherry buds have progressed in recent days despite cool, rainy weather. She said she fully expects plenty of blossoms to be out on May 16.

Pamphlets outlining the tour route have been printed and are available at the Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce office, Leelanau Sands Casino, Leelanau Enterprise, Leelanau Conservancy, Leelanau Conservation District and other businesses throughout Leelanau County.

A 2009 route selected by the blossom tour committee begins and ends at the Eagles Ridge Conference Center in Peshawbestown overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. The one-hour route passes by stops at two working cherry farms in Suttons Bay and Leelanau townships.

An opening ceremony will kick off the day at 9:30 a.m., with the National Cherry Festival queen in attendance. A blossom blessing prayer will be offered. Also expected to be in attendance is the famed Dried Cherry Queen, always a crowd favorite in the Leland Fourth of July Parade.

Buses will begin running at 10 a.m., with the last bus departing at 2 p.m.

Guest appearances have been lined up for Patrick Niemisto and Chris Skellenger, original members of a Leelanau favorite, the Third Coast band. They will be offering their own brand of troubadour sounds.

Also provided: Free cherry bratwurst, as provided by Hansen Foods in Suttons Bay, a special cherry punch, cherry cookies from Cherry Republic and other delights.

For further information, please contact the Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce at (231) 271-9895, mail the Chamber at P.O. Box 46, Suttons Bay 49682, or visit websites for the Leelanau Enterprise, Leelanau Conservancy or the Chamber.

Photo credit: Blossom, Barn & Blue Sky (from May 2008) by farlane

If you like the photo check out a cherry blossom slideshow from farlane