Good morning, Traverse City.

Traverse City Police Officer Krista Fryczynski earned state recognition for her work with the homeless through the RESILIENCE Program, which connects 60 community partners to support people in need.

The award was presented during Michigan’s NAMI conference in May.

Local community members continue to honor Sam DeKuiper’s legacy through memorial events and fundraisers.

Since his passing in May 2024, youth sports programs have awarded scholarships, renamed fields, and distributed baseball jerseys with patches saying Live Like Sam, with scholarship funds already exceeding $75,000.

Bay Area Transportation Authority is offering free Bayline bus rides until midnight during the National Cherry Festival and has added free Park-n-Ride lots at LaFranier Road (with EV charging for up to four vehicles), Meijer U.S. 31 and Northwestern Michigan College’s Maple Lot; buses run every 15 minutes.

Viewers are invited to vote on their favorite Cherry Festival event during the upcoming UpNorthLive Unscripted show airing Friday at 6:30 p.m. on ABC 29&8.

Professor Fleda Brown, our professor emerita and former poet laureate of Delaware, reflects on Michigan summers as she recalls her 19 years in the state and childhood memories.

Her poem blends humor (inspired by e. e. cummings) with heartfelt nostalgia.

Thirty-one artists gathered last week for the ninth annual Paint Grand Traverse, where they painted local streets, shorelines, vineyards and downtown sidewalks to capture shifting light and mood.

The event highlighted creative talent in our region.

Authorities advise families to use extra caution with fireworks today as they celebrate Independence Day, noting that new, more dangerous explosives are available (Capt. Brandon Brinks of the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office recommends safe practices).

Soccer fans in Traverse City showed strong support for the U.S. men's national team at an outdoor watch party at the Little Fleet — despite stormy conditions — as they cheered on during their match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

KC and The Sunshine Band & The Spinners Concert

6-9 p.m. — National Cherry Festival — Ticket prices vary — Dance to the iconic disco and soul hits of KC and The Sunshine Band and The Spinners.

The Fray Concert

6-9 p.m. — Pepsi Bayside Music Stage — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of uplifting music with The Fray at the National Cherry Festival.

Daughtry Concert

6-9 p.m. — Pepsi Bayside Music Stage — Check local listings — Rock powerhouse Daughtry headlines the 100th National Cherry Festival with chart-topping hits spanning nearly two decades.

Justin Moore Concert

6-9 p.m. — National Cherry Festival — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy live country hits from multi-PLATINUM artist Justin Moore on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage.

Red Drive Concert Series

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Left Foot Charley — Free entry — Enjoy a free community concert featuring Manitou Truckin' Co. with grilled cheese delights and local brews.

Simply Queen Tribute Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Cost info not provided — Experience North America's most adored recreation of Queen with impeccable attention to detail and incredible performance energy.

Pickle Fest: The Sequel

July 24-25 — Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre — Entry fee applicable — A briny celebration featuring pickle-themed food, games, and movies under the stars.

Great Lakes 5K

8-8:30 a.m. — Eastern Elementary School — Entry fee varies — Participate in a 5K and kids fun run to support cancer awareness and essential screenings.

Kenosha Kingfish vs. Traverse City Pit Spitters

7:05-10 p.m. — Turtle Creek Stadium — Enjoy $2 hot dogs and $3 beers — Join the fun at a local baseball game with exciting food and drink specials.

Catie Newell Artist Talk

4:00 – 5:30 PM — The Dennos — Free entry — Explore light, perception, and the emotional resonance of objects with architect Catie Newell.