Good morning, Traverse City.

East Bay Township has launched a new Power of Produce program at the East Bay Corners Farmers Market that will teach children aged 5 to 13 healthy eating through hands on activities and homework assignments to earn produce coupons.

The market, which accepts SNAP/EBT and opens every Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Township Hall at 1965 N. 3 Mile Road, will operate until Oct. 2 while the program runs for 13 weeks starting July 10—supported by a Building Resilient Communities Grant from the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities.

A 5K race on the runway at Cherry Capital Airport will take place this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at 1260 Boon Street—letting runners see aircraft and talk with aviation professionals—and will raise awareness for Wings of Mercy, which offers free flights for families in need.

Plans to build a new pavilion at the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market have been revived by the Downtown Development Authority after delays since 2018 - the project is part of capital improvements that include a parking lot overhaul before the TIF-97 plan expires in 2027.

A fire on a main power line on the Old Mission Peninsula caused a widespread outage that shut down classes at Old Mission Peninsula School and forced Consumers Energy to set up temporary poles while officials expect the outage to last at least 30 hours—neighbors are urged to check on each other and to contact Peninsula Township Fire chief at 231-463-0330 for urgent assistance.

Traverse City Food and Wine will run from August 20th to 24th and feature guest chefs — both nationally recognized names and local headliners — who will offer cooking classes and special dining experiences in the region.

Northwestern Michigan College has requested $8 million in state funding to combine student services into one new center — the space will host financial aid, admissions, and records and registration with funding expected to be finalized later this year.

Students from the Life Skills Center, Norte and Carter's Compost joined in a biking and compost pickup program to learn safety and life skills; every Monday for the rest of May they will use Norte’s bikes between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. to collect compost from local homes + build independence, with participants riding at least two miles while interacting with neighbors.

State Rep. Cam Cavitt voted last week to allocate $100 million for ice storm relief in Northern Michigan using House Bill 4328 to fund emergency supplies, warming centers, and infrastructure repairs—supporting local recovery efforts.

He also backed House Bill 4345 to give local school boards flexibility on closures and summer school, and both measures now await Senate review.

The Grand Traverse County Health Department is tracking measles after the CDC reported nearly 1,000 cases nationwide & nine in Michigan, even though none have been seen here while nearby counties show cases.

Jacalyn Money-Bruno said lower immunization rates after COVID-19 and false vaccine rumors may increase the chance of exposure if unvaccinated people travel into our area.

AI in the Prehistoric Great Lakes

7-9 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Explore ancient Great Lakes hunting sites and meet the scientists using AI to bring the past to life.

Recycle-A-Bicycle Bike Swap

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Old Town Parking Structure — Free entry — Discover a variety of used bikes and support local families in need through the Recycle-a-Bicycle program.

Traverse City Counter Day

11 a.m. — Young Supply Company — Free cheesesteak lunch — Enjoy mouth-watering cheesesteaks during this local community event.

Cherry Capital Comic Con 2025

5 PM – 5 PM — Grand Traverse Resort and Spa — Ticket prices vary — Northern Michigan's premier comic book and pop culture festival featuring panels, artists, and collectible vendors.

Bayshore Marathon VIP Experience

5:30-8 a.m. — Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center & Library — Complimentary access — Upgrade your race day with exclusive amenities and snacks to fuel your run.

Music Mondays at Blush Rooftop Terrace

4-6 p.m. — Alexandra Inn — Free entry — Unwind with live acoustic performances and craft cocktails while enjoying stunning rooftop views in Traverse City.

Northwest Michigan Art and Culture Summit

12 PM – 9 PM — City Opera House — Cost info not provided — Explore the vibrant arts and cultural scene at this community-centric summit across multiple venues.

The Big Run Celebration

6-8 p.m. — Hull Park — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a fun 4-mile run followed by a community party with food and drinks.

Romantic Dances with Four Hands

7-8:15 p.m. — Music House Museum — Ticket prices not listed — Experience an evening of enchanting romantic music performed by acclaimed pianists Hyemin Kim and Michael Coonrod.

Unlocking Creative Potential for Business Growth

11 AM – 1 PM — Traverse City Country Club — Tickets required — Discover how creativity can drive innovation and leadership in business.