Good morning, Traverse City.

A Kingsley school bus was turned into a mobile food drive on November 4th to collect staple foods and hygiene items for families facing food insecurity amid school closures and SNAP uncertainties.

Transportation Director Erik Nieman led the drive at Northland Foods, and donations will go to the Father Fred Foundation to support local families.

Students at Northwestern Michigan College are fighting food insecurity by preparing 175 Thanksgiving meal boxes for local families, with donations accepted at red bins on its Front Street campus until November 18—meal boxes will be distributed on November 24 as part of the 12th annual Thanks-for-Giving project led by the BUS 231 class.

Local entrepreneurs can join a free startup bootcamp at Baker College in Cadillac this November.

The series offers sessions on November 6, 11, and 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. in business planning, marketing strategies, finances and goal setting—dinner is provided.

Jenni Scott, co-owner of Little Bo, is now head chef at Sisters—a retro brunch spot on Front Street in downtown Traverse City that opened this spring.

She and her sister Lisa created a menu with creative egg dishes and classic brunch items for locals and visitors.

Traverse Connect Summit stated that the Grand Traverse region's economy has held steady despite worries over inflation, high interest rates — and weak consumer sentiment.

Analysts say the area remains strong even as national economic challenges persist.

McBain Northern Michigan Christian advanced to the district semifinal round with a 25-8, 25-16, 27-25 win over Mesick as Melanie Bennett served seven aces on Monday—Petoskey swept Marquette to face TC West and Mancelona beat GT Academy.

Toast The Season - Weekend 1

11 AM – 5 PM — Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail — $75/person — Celebrate the holiday season with curated wine pairing and festive gifts at Northern Michigan's beloved event.

Bell's Iceman Cometh Challenge

8:45 a.m. — Kalkaska Airport to Timber Ridge — Registration required — Conquer the rugged 30-mile race through the scenic landscapes of Michigan.

Joe Hill: King Sorrow Book Talk

7-8:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Ticket with book purchase — Engage in a chilling conversation about Joe Hill's latest novel, King Sorrow, followed by a Q&A and signing.

Nathan Graham and Noah Guthrie Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of soulful Americana music with two rising stars in the genre.

Traverse City Light Parade

5:30-9 p.m. — Downtown Traverse City Association — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with Santa’s arrival, a tree lighting, and a vibrant light parade down Front Street.

Traverse City Turkey Trot

8:45 a.m. — St. Francis High School — Kids under 3 free — Celebrate Thanksgiving with the 18th Annual Turkey Trot featuring a fun 5K run/walk and 5-mile race.

2025 Mac & Cheese Bake-Off

10 AM – 5 PM — Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail — Ticket sales begin October 1st — Experience the ultimate pairing of seasonal wines with inventive Mac & Cheese dishes from top chefs.

Dennos Brand Refresh Presentation and Q&A

2-3 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Community members gather to learn about the Dennos brand updates and engage in a Q&A session.