Good morning, Traverse City.

Local animal shelters are now featuring adoptable pets every Friday through the Adoption Options series, with the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society in Harbor Springs showcasing dogs and cats ready for loving homes.

A fundraising event called Howl at the Moon will be held on August 21 from 6—10 p.m. at Walstrom Marine Boat Warehouse to benefit these adoption programs.

Leelanau Christian Neighbors purchased two homes in Maple City to expand affordable housing options for locals facing high rent and poor conditions—Homestretch will manage the properties to help keep rents low.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office activated its special Directed Patrol Unit after a retail fraud complaint led to $3,084 in merchandise being stolen from a Garfield Township business—three people were suspected, Capt. Brandon Brinks said Thursday.

Ainslee Hewitt, 20, was crowned National Cherry Queen at the City Opera House on Front Street on July 4—she was honored before a crowd of 140 as she vowed to spread cherry love in Michigan and across the country.

The event highlighted her scientific talents and marked a notable celebration in downtown Traverse City.

Next year, the National Cherry Festival — marking its 100th anniversary — will coincide with the United States celebrating 250 years, honoring nearly a century of tradition in Traverse City.

Northwest Michigan’s cherry industry faced a tough season as cold weather cut the tart crop and hail damaged orchards — local growers remained hopeful that drier conditions and steady research would help restore production.

Sunset Park in Traverse City remains under a Level 3 advisory after July 3 tests showed high E. coli levels—officials say a large flock of geese and a stormwater drain outlet are likely to blame and advise against any body contact with the water until at least July 10.

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.

Bachman Turner Overdrive and The Marshall Tucker Band Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Kresge Auditorium — Sold out — Relive the ‘70s with classics from rock legends Bachman-Turner Overdrive and The Marshall Tucker Band.