Good morning, Traverse City.

Volunteers from Michigan Cares for Tourism worked Tuesday at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy building benches, boardwalks and native seed pots for trail improvements — support for the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism underlines their efforts.

The Traverse City Pit Spitters invite fans to submit ballpark menu ideas starting with T, C, P or S through Friday, April 17 — early entries include a poutine suggestion that caught the eye of food and beverage manager Ethan Coomes.

Helena Beckett will become the new president and CEO of Cherry Central Cooperative on April 13 — she takes charge of the Traverse City-based co-op that supplies tart cherry products and other ingredients.

Melanie LaPerriere retires on April 30 after serving since 2019.

Forest to Fork, a new food event (tracing nature’s bounty to the local table), will take place May 14-17 in Traverse City with guided walks, wine pairings and cooking classes.

British influencer Jase of the Josh and Jase duo attended the tourism conference on April 8 and will return this summer to explore local attractions he missed on his recent visit.

Cherry Capital Airport is adding more flights today as part of its seasonal air service ramp-up.

The move aims to meet rising travel demand (schedules will be updated as the season progresses).

The new Joseph C. Fisher Early Childhood & Family Center at 1050 Silver Drive hosted a ribbon cutting and open house on Tuesday afternoon as smiling children played indoors and outdoors; the Northwest Education Services facility will offer teaching spaces, professional development and public playgroups.

State legislators in Lansing are reviewing House Bill 4477, which would require water safety lessons for students in kindergarten through 8th grade to lower drowning risks.

Testimony is underway in committee (the bill was introduced last year) as supporters stress the need for better water education.

The Michigan Department of Transportation begins a $1.9 million detour project — improving the U.S. 31/3 Mile intersection for 3 Mile Road traffic via Parsons Road and Airport Access Road — Monday, April 13 in East Bay Township; lane closures, pedestrian detours, and Traverse City State Park Beach access changes will run through July 2.

Kalkaska County commissioners moved to delay a proposed data center by asking the planning commission to review a moratorium — citing community concerns about environmental impacts and rising utility costs — while local residents plan to rally against the project at Open Space Park on Saturday at 10 a.m.

Michigan lawmakers passed House bills to standardize food truck operations by setting a uniform fire code and limiting fees, though a $200 fire inspection charge may add cost.

A local chef said the measures could ease entry into the business, pending Senate and governor approval.

Hospital administrators and union leaders met on Monday in Traverse City to discuss a new three-year agreement for over 850 nurses after the contract expired on Mar.

10. Negotiations focus on wage increases, nurse input on staffing and the use of new technology (with a focus on maintaining benefit protections).

DMC Concert: Thornetta Davis

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the powerful vocals and soulful storytelling of Thornetta Davis, Detroit's Queen of the Blues.

Mari Vineyards Wine Run 5k

8:30-10:30 a.m. — Mari Vineyards — Register early — Enjoy a scenic 5k run or walk with delicious wines at a beautiful vineyard.

2026 Cherry Bombspiel

2 PM – 3 PM — Traverse City Curling Club — $500 — Compete in a fun curling event with 36 teams and a four-game guarantee.

NMC Jazz Bands & High School All-Star Big Band Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — $10-$20 — Experience an evening of vibrant jazz performances featuring local high school talent and special guest Robbie M Smith.

Earth Day Clothing Swap

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Refresh your wardrobe sustainably while enjoying a community clothing and gear swap this Earth Day.

NMC Concert Band Spring Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — $10-$20 — Experience a night filled with vibrant music from talented musicians showcasing their versatility.

The Golden Age of Broadway Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — $10-$20 — Experience a musical journey through the beloved songs of Broadway's Golden Age with the NMC Grand Traverse Chorale.

5th Annual Asian American Pacific Islander Celebration

5-8 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free event — Celebrate culture and community with food, film, and poetry featuring local talents and diverse culinary offerings.

Great Lakes Child Safety Conference

The inaugural Great Lakes Child Safety Conference will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Traverse City Central High School, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The free conference is presented in collaboration with Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), Northwest Education Services, Rotary, and Traverse City Area Public Schools.

Spring Art Market

10 AM – 4 PM — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Engage with over 25 artists showcasing diverse media from painting to ceramics.