Good morning, Traverse City.

Traverse City Fire Department warns residents to use safe deep-frying methods for Thanksgiving turkey—guidelines include staying in the kitchen and keeping children away from hot food.

Firefighters demonstrated unsafe practices and stressed checking the process to avoid home cooking fires.

Multiple fire departments are fighting a wildfire near South Pioneer Road and Homestead Road as officials close Homestead Road at Zimmerman Road and the section west of Pioneer Road—drivers are advised to choose alternate routes.

Lake Michigan's water levels have dropped to 12 inches below the long-term average and are falling faster than usual — experts at the Watershed Center say less fall rain and increased evaporation are behind the change.

They add that levels will likely rise after the spring snowmelt as communities prepare for more extreme water fluctuations.

A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect until 9 PM EST this evening on portions of Lake Michigan with wind gusts up to 30 kts and waves around 6 feet.

A Gale Watch is in place from Wednesday morning through late Thursday night with potential winds up to 45 kts and waves up to 13 feet that may force mariners to alter course or seek safe harbor — a precaution for hazardous conditions.

Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City and Air Station Detroit marked the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald sinking this month.

The ceremonies remembered the lives lost and highlighted a key moment in maritime history (a significant event for our waters).

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.

Visible Mending Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Materials provided — Learn creative sewing techniques while mending garments or making soft-sculptures from scrap fabric.

Make Your Own Fresh Holiday Wreath

10 AM – 12 PM — The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park — Tickets limited — Create a handcrafted wreath using fresh evergreens and natural accents to celebrate the holiday season.

Men's Night Shopping Event

5-9 p.m. — Downtown Traverse City Association — Free entry — A festive shopping night dedicated to men with exclusive holiday deals and surprises.

The Bergamot - A South Shore Christmas

7:30-10:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Cost info not provided — Experience soaring harmonies and heartwarming stories at this beloved Christmas tradition.

Christmas in the Village 2025

3-6 p.m. / 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — The Village at Grand Traverse Commons — Free entry — Celebrate the season with festive activities, shopping specials, and visits with Santa.

DMC Concert: Mr. Sun

6-7:30 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Ticket info available — Experience the innovative sound of supergroup Mr. Sun reimagining classical works through American roots music.

Women in Tech Meetup – Traverse City

5-7 p.m. — Earthen Ales — Free entry — Connect and empower each other in a casual setting focused on women in tech.