Good morning, Traverse City.

Tammy Sofonia celebrated her 44th year volunteering at the National Cherry Festival+ she spent 43 summers brightening the Open Space with her smile.

Traverse City is preparing for fireworks shows this weekend — local residents are taking steps to keep pets safe during the celebrations.

Trevor Tkach, President and CEO of Traverse City Tourism and board president of the Traverse City Boom Boom Club, said pet safety measures are in place for the events.

The Rigan family (founders of the More Than Four Foundation dedicated to childhood cancer research) will serve as the 2025 Grand Marshals at the DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade, which will begin at 11:15 a.m. Saturday in downtown Traverse City.

Florists in Traverse City are facing rising costs due to trade tariffs as wedding season nears.

Angelica Hutchins of the Blossom Shop and Derek Woodruff from Floral Underground said prices for imported flowers and supplies have increased — prompting businesses to rely more on locally sourced products and creative design techniques.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said that state and federal investigators executed search warrants on Tuesday at two northern Michigan homes—including one on Cedar Run Road in Long Lake Township—as part of an investigation into allegations that Twin Flames Universe, an online organization with ties to Leelanau County, used coercive tactics and urged former members to come forward.

Tomorrow marks 12 years since Kelly Boyce-Hurlbert was killed in a hit-and-run in 2013 when she rode home from North Peak Brewing Company—police and FBI investigators are offering up to $25,000 for tips that could lead to an arrest.

Construction is underway at Traverse City West Senior High School where crews are rebuilding the bus driveway and parking lots west of the building ($4.5 million using capital bond funds).

School administrators say the first phase of the summer projects will be completed on time.

On July 2, a water test at Sunset Park found E. coli levels at 387/100ml—exceeding safe standards—and officials advised wading rather than full-body contact.

The park was resampled on Thursday with updated results scheduled for release today.

A free family event titled 'Bald Eagles in northern Michigan' will take place on July 13 to review how the American bald eagle returned from near extinction and to discuss its ongoing threats.

Experts will explain the bird's decades-long recovery and current challenges — a reminder that its survival is still at risk.

Assistant City Manager Deb Allen has been serving as acting city manager since June 18 after City Manager Liz Vogel took medical leave—she said she will work to keep city operations running smoothly until Vogel returns.

1000 Watt Prophets Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — St. Ambrose Cellars — Entrance fee may apply — Experience the soulful genre-bending sound of the power trio 1000 Watt Prophets.

Pinter Whitnick Live Performance

4-6:30 p.m. — Boathouse Vineyards — Enjoy an afternoon of live music at a scenic vineyard on the Leelanau Peninsula.

Black Star Farms Estate & Wine Tour

11 AM – 1 PM — Black Star Farms Winery and Inn — Ticketed event — Explore the scenic vineyard and learn about the history of wine-making in beautiful northern Michigan.

Grand Traverse Bay Wine Tasting Cruise

Sailing at sunset — 2 hours — Schooner Manitou — Prices vary — Experience local wines while enjoying stunning views and wildlife on Grand Traverse Bay.

Kenosha Kingfish vs. Traverse City Pit Spitters

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Turtle Creek Stadium — Fun night of retro tunes and baseball with special guests — Big hair, neon vibes, and the Cherryland Ghostbusters bring the nostalgia.

Max Lockwood Trio Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — Elk Rapids Day Park — Free entry — Experience heartfelt lyricism and classic rock vibes under the stars with Max Lockwood Trio.

Wine & Chocolate Tasting Workshop

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Black Star Farms Old Mission — Ticket required — Experience the delightful pairing of wine and chocolate in a unique tasting workshop.

The Infamous Stringdusters & Leftover Salmon Concert

7-9 p.m. — Interlochen Center for the Arts — Tickets starting at $35 — Experience an evening of innovative bluegrass and jamgrass music from acclaimed artists.

Summer Solar Workshop Series: Create a Solar Exploration Kit

2-4 p.m. — Traverse Area District Library — Free entry — Engage in a creative solar exploration workshop making art with sunlight and science.

The Daylites Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — The Little Fleet — Free entry — High energy original music and rockin’ cover band from Traverse City, Michigan.