Hometown Television Handyman Carter Oosterhouse to Servce as Grand Marshal of the DTE Energy Cherry Royale Parade

The National Cherry Festival and DTE Energy today announced that television personality and hometown handyman Carter Oosterhouse will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2007 DTE Energy Cherry Royale Parade. The parade is slated for the final day of the National Cherry Festival, July 14 at 11:15 a.m.

“Growing up in Traverse City, the Cherry Royale parade was something that was part of my life and it is definitely a huge honor to be asked to be a part of it,” Oosterhouse said. “I can’t wait to be home and see everyone.”

Oosterhouse gained fame on the grandfather of all home makeover shows, TLC’s “Trading Spaces.” Oosterhouse also starred on the NBC series, “Three Wishes” with Amy Grant, renovating homes for deserving individuals and families. He regularly appears on “The Today Show” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Oosterhouse currently is working on the HGTV series “Red Hot and Green,” which focuses on creating environmentally friendly homes. The show premiered June 10 and showcases craftsman Oosterhouse’s passion for “green” living. This October, Oosterhouse premieres two new makeover series. “Carter Can” makes its debut October 6 on HGTV. The show will tackle the hardest home improvement projects – taking on makeover projects from homeowners. At about the same time, the DIY (Do It Yourself) Network will premiere “The Inside Job,” hosted by Oosterhouse. The show will provide take-away information and share the behind-the-scenes activity of “Carter Can.”

When not working, Oosterhouse splits his time between homes in Los Angeles and his native Traverse City.

“We’re very pleased to have Carter lead our parade this year,” said Fred Shell, DTE Energy vice president of corporate and governmental affairs, and president of the DTE Energy Foundation. ”DTE Energy is deeply committed to improving the environment, which is why we’re co-sponsoring the Cherry Festival’s new recycling program. As a nationally recognized green design expert, Carter is helping his fans across the country make their homes healthier, more environmentally friendly places to live. With the ‘greening’ of this year’s Festival, Carter is the perfect choice for this year’s parade marshal.”

DTE Energy, the National Cherry Festival and Waste Management of Northern Michigan are launching an extensive recycling program for the 2007 Festival. Festivalgoers will be able to recycle paper, plastic and other trash at Green Centers located throughout the grounds.

DTE Energy’s Cherry Royale parade float also will have a green theme. The float – a tribute to the beauty of Northern Michigan – will be constructed entirely of recycled materials.

“Without giving too much away,” said Shell, “I think people are going to be astonished by what we’ve been able to do with recycled objects. It’s something you’ll have to see to believe.”

The DTE Energy Cherry Royale Parade will be televised in its entirety on Traverse City ABC affiliate ABC 29 & 8.