Benjamin Twiggs Celebrates 60 Years with Four-Day Anniversary Celebration in Downtown Traverse City!!

Ribbon cutting, cherry tastings, farmer appreciation, birthday surprises and giveaways planned for October 22–25

Founded in 1966, Benjamin Twiggs has spent six decades sharing the flavors of Michigan cherries with generations of customers. Today, the farmer-owned business continues that tradition under the leadership of fifth-generation cherry farmer Leisa Eckerle Hankins and her daughter, Alison Hankins.

This year's milestone is especially meaningful as Benjamin Twiggs celebrates its 60th anniversary in its new downtown home, bringing together the company's rich history with a renewed commitment to Michigan agriculture, local partnerships and future generations.

"Sixty years is an incredible milestone, and we know we wouldn't be here without the customers, farmers, employees and community who have supported Benjamin Twiggs throughout the years," said Leisa Eckerle, owner of Benjamin Twiggs. "As a fifth-generation cherry farmer, this business means more to me than selling cherry products. It's about sharing our agricultural heritage, supporting Michigan cherry growers and creating something that future generations can continue to enjoy. We want everyone to come celebrate with us!"

Four Days of Anniversary Fun

Thursday, October 22 — Ribbon Cutting & Celebration Kickoff

The celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. with an official ribbon cutting at the new downtown location. Guests are invited to enjoy hot cocoa, coffee and cherry samples from a local bakery while helping shape the next chapter of Benjamin Twiggs. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample and vote on new Grab & Go food options being considered for the store's upcoming offerings.

Friday, October 23 — Farmer Friday

Benjamin Twiggs celebrates the hardworking farmers who make Michigan's cherry industry possible. Farmers receive 10% off their purchases throughout the day.

Saturday, October 24 — The BIG 60th Birthday Bash!

The biggest celebration of the weekend will feature 60 surprise gifts, cherry treats and, of course, birthday cake!

Customers are invited to stop in, celebrate, discover their favorite Michigan cherry products and help mark six decades of Benjamin Twiggs history.

Sunday, October 25 — Customer Appreciation & Anniversary Finale

The celebration concludes with a day of gratitude for the generations of customers who have made Benjamin Twiggs part of their family traditions. Visitors are invited to stop in, enjoy the anniversary atmosphere and celebrate 60 years of Michigan cherry heritage.

Anniversary Prize Giveaways

Throughout the celebration, visitors will have the opportunity to enter for four special prizes:

• Grand Prize — Benjamin Twiggs for a Year: Twelve $25 Benjamin Twiggs gift certificates, one for each month, totaling $300.

• Second Prize — U-Pick Cherry Experience and Farm Tour Summer 27, offering a firsthand look at where Michigan cherries begin.  Taking home cherries to enjoy eating or cooking with.

• Third Prize - Benjamin Twiggs Gift Box: A delicious assortment of Michigan cherry favorites.

• Fourth Prize — Cherry Pie: A sweet way to celebrate Michigan's favorite fruit.

Celebrating the Past, Investing in the Future

The new Benjamin Twiggs flagship store represents an exciting next chapter for a business rooted in Michigan agriculture. Beyond its signature cherry products and gifts, the store is developing a Grab & Go food experience and demonstration space designed to introduce customers to new ways of enjoying Michigan cherries and other locally produced foods.

For Eckerle, the anniversary is also an opportunity to remind customers of the importance of supporting Michigan farmers.

"Every product has a story, and behind that story are the farmers who grow the fruit," Eckerle added. "Our mission is to keep cherry farmers in business. Celebrating 60 years gives us the opportunity to honor where we've been while sharing our vision for where we're going."

Benjamin Twiggs 60th Anniversary Celebration

October 22–25, 2026

Location: Benjamin Twiggs, Downtown Traverse City — entrance on Pine Street near West Front Street and Mundos Coffee.

Event Highlights: Ribbon Cutting • Hot Cocoa & Coffee • Grab & Go Tastings & Voting • Farmer Friday • 60 Surprise Gifts • Birthday Cake • Grand Prize Giveaways

The celebration is open to the community. Everyone is invited to stop in, share their Benjamin Twiggs memories and help celebrate this Michigan original.

About Benjamin Twiggs

Founded in 1966, Benjamin Twiggs is known as Michigan's Original Cherry Store. Farmer-owned and family-operated, the business specializes in products featuring 100% Michigan cherries, including dried cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, preserves, sauces, gourmet gifts and corporate gift collections. Now located in downtown Traverse City, Benjamin Twiggs continues its mission of keeping Michigan cherry farmers in business while celebrating the agricultural heritage of Northern Michigan.

Media Contact

Alison Hankins
Business Development Manager, Benjamin Twiggs
231-947-0208
alison@benjamintwiggs.com
www.benjamintwiggs.com