Good morning, Traverse City.

Carolyn Fairman became the executive director of Housing North a few days ago and will visit all ten counties to meet local leaders, developers (and residents) to learn about the distinct housing challenges and shape tailored solutions.

Munson Healthcare pledged $225,000 to support the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA's Growing for Good campaign to expand the facility with a new gymnasium and indoor walking track.

The donation will help broaden youth, family, and older adult programs in the region.

The Leelanau Historical Society will screen the PBS documentary Frontier to Freedom at 6 p.m. on July 16 at the Leelanau School Auditorium in Glen Arbor as part of its America 250 programming.

Tickets cost $15.

Today the National Cherry Festival hosted Cherry Special Kids Day by creating a sensory-friendly space for families with special needs.

The event at the Open Space featured balloon animals, face painting, bowling, a bouncy castle and free ice cream as the carnival was closed to the public.

A documentary film 12 years in the making explores a century of the Cherry Festival and will be featured in its 100th-year programming, revealing stories of presidential pie exchanges (and quirky traditions) alongside challenges local farmers have faced.

The film shows both the festival’s fun and history.

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will host a powwow today as part of the 2026 Cherry Festival in Traverse City (forecast includes scattered showers, gusty winds, and small hail possible) creating a cultural highlight in variable summer weather.

North Central Michigan College will get nearly $6 million in state funding to boost skilled trades training and start a dental hygiene program.

The package funds a new STEP Center adding 10,000 (sqft) to the Martin Jahn Technology Center opening in August and supports a dental clinic with fall classes.

Priority Health will debut Michigan’s first mobile fitness court during the National Cherry Festival from 2-6 p.m. Friday at the Festival of the Races in Traverse County, offering free outdoor workouts and a grip strength challenge + live demos of bodyweight exercise modifications for all fitness levels.

Doctors in Northern Michigan are urging residents to wash fruits and vegetables carefully as cyclosporiasis cases rise; they suggest choosing produce that is easier to wash while health officials investigate the source.

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.

FEI North American Youth Championships

1 p.m. — Flintfields Horse Park — Ticket options vary — Witness top young equestrian athletes compete in an international championship event set in Traverse City.