Good morning, Traverse City.

Six countries will compete in an International Fireworks Championship at Turtle Creek Stadium on Sept.

11-12. The teams (from Poland, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Romania and the USA) earned their spots by winning major contests to impress audiences and judges.

Twenty former kindergarten students from Central Grade School reunited in Traverse City before planned renovations, an event organized by Carol Tompkins-Parker.

The alumni signed the walls and gathered at North Peak Brewery to revisit their childhood memories.

This summer, the Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area will release mile-a-minute weevils in Calhoun County to slow the spread of the invasive vine.

Grand Valley State University experts will monitor the sites every two weeks for about one year.

County officials advise paddlers to stay safe on the river as conditions remain dangerous because access between Brown Bridge Landing and Cass Road Jack’s Landing is closed; paddlers should launch at Forks and Scheck’s Place Landing with an expected four-hour float time along the Boardman River.

Traverse City officials said state and federal investments in infrastructure (including the $30 million FishPass project) kept raw sewage from spilling into the Boardman River during April's near 500-year storm, protecting valuable property and South Airport Road.

Cherryland Electric Cooperative members may vote online or by mail until noon tomorrow for two board openings, with in-person voting and an annual meeting at Mo's in Grawn on June 11 — festivities include games and food.

Ballots are limited to one vote per membership, and terms extend through 2029.

Grand Traverse County commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday to update on a housing study and a plan to start a community development department in response to local housing challenges.

Funding approved last year will support the service expansion.

The Dynami Foundation will host its fourth Uncork Up North on Friday, Oct.

2 at Hagerty Garage (a benefit event) to fund the Munson Health care Family Cancer Center Fund; chefs and Michigan wineries will offer a dinner with wine pairings to assist women facing hardship during breast cancer treatment.

Traverse City Central captured its first regional title over the weekend with back-to-back shutouts, led by Gatorade Player of the Year Piper Cavanaugh who now holds a 19-0 record.

The team will face Grand Haven in the state semifinals tomorrow at Central Michigan University.

The Charlevoix golf team won the Division Four state championship Saturday by finishing 17 strokes ahead of the field.

The win marked a big comeback after a bus crash injured their coach and two players over a year ago.

Traverse City Central head boys soccer coach Gavin Richmond previewed the upcoming World Cup with 9&10 ahead of the first games on Thursday.

The England native led his team to record wins, snapping a 20-game losing streak in his third season.

Grand Traverse AKC All-Breed Dog Show

June 12-14 — Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds — Entry fee varies — Experience a weekend of all-breed dog shows including Best Veteran and Best Puppy competitions.

Howie Mandel Live Performance

Time TBD — Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with the iconic comedian and television personality Howie Mandel.

Pegtown Group Meeting

8:00–9:00 p.m. — Pegtown Station — Free entry — Join an engaging support group for alcohol addiction recovery in a welcoming environment.

Paint Grand Traverse Festival

All day — Crooked Tree Arts Center — Free entry — Celebrate the beauty of Northern Michigan through a week-long plein air painting competition featuring national artists.

Paint Grand Traverse Festival

10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. — Crooked Tree Arts Center — Free entry — Experience the vibrant outdoor painting festival and competition in beautiful Traverse City.

Xavi Bou Artist Talk

4-5 p.m. — The Dennos — Free entry — Explore the intersection of art and science through digital chronophotography in a presentation by artist Xavi Bou.

Creative Movement Drawing Workshop with Xavi Bou

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — The Dennos — Ages 16+ — Explore how bird flight influences drawing through movement and observation.

Summer Reception and Launch Party

7-9 p.m. — The Dennos — Members free, public admission required — Celebrate summer exhibitions while enjoying passed appetizers and a first look at the updated brand.

U.S. Coast Guard Open Ramp - Cherry Festival Edition

5-8:15 p.m. — USCG Air Station Traverse City — Free entry — Explore a variety of aircraft and meet the skilled pilots behind the controls during this unique event for families and enthusiasts.

Vertical Limit Band at Jacob's Farm

6-10 p.m. — Jacob's Farm TC — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night of rock, blues, and funk with Vertical Limit, a talented band from Oceanside now in Traverse City.