Gridiron game, with a cherry on top?
From staff reports
Glen Arbor has a front-row seat at today’s titanic college football contest between Michigan and Ohio State at noon at the Big House in Ann Arbor.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine have an annual friendly wager on “the game.” If the Buckeyes win, DeWine will receive “a gift package of famous Michigan-made cherry sweets and treats from Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor,” said a press statement from Lansing.
If the Wolverines win, Whitmer will get an assortment of Ohio-made sweets, including cream puffs from Schmidt’s in Columbus, black raspberry chip ice cream from Graeter’s in Cincinnati, chocolate-covered pretzels from Malley’s in Cleveland and buckeye candies from Marsha’s Homemade Buckeyes in Perrysburg.
“This football game is a time-honored tradition between our two states that pits the best we have to offer against each other for four quarters,” Whitmer said. “That’s why I’m joining Gov. DeWine to bet some of the best Michigan-made sweets and treats that our state has to offer from Cherry Republic.”
Cherry Republic president Bob Sutherland celebrated the publicity, though he made clear that he’s not rooting for Ohio State.
“Thanks to Governor Whitmer for the mention,” said Sutherland. “It’s great for Glen Arbor to be a small part of the big game. Go Blue!”
Ohio State is ranked second in the country in the college football playoff rankings and the AP Top 25 poll; Michigan is ranked fifth in the rankings and sixth in the AP poll. Both teams are 10-1 and vying for a berth in the Big Ten Championship and the college football playoff with a potential path to the national championship.
The Buckeyes have dominated the Wolverines during the 21st century, winning the last eight contests and 15 of the last 16. Their game last year was canceled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
