Good morning, Traverse City.

The Toys for Tots campaign will deliver over 20,000 new toys to approximately 5,700 children in Traverse City and neighboring counties (Grand Traverse, Antrim, Benzie, Leelanau, and Kalkaska) thanks to generous local donations and community support.

On Christmas, Bergstrom's Burgers hosted a free dinner in Traverse City, serving baked chicken, ham, glazed carrots, potatoes, rolls, and desserts.

Owner Tim Bergstrom (battling leukemia) welcomed guests who otherwise lacked a place to celebrate and continued his tradition of community support.

The Black River Ranch became public property, adding 8,844 acres along the eastern edge of the Pigeon River Forest, 14 miles of trout streams, and three lakes that residents enjoyed on Christmas (expanding local lands to nearly 120,000 acres).

Retired teacher Greg Frey now plans to spend more time outdoors after 30 years in the classroom.

Cherry Capital Airport had a busy 2025 and is gearing up for growth in 2026 & local officials are planning expansion to boost services and support rising travel demands.

Human Nature School received a $950 grant from Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education to purchase two kid-proof digital cameras + a computer that support its outdoor photography program to help children explore nature.

Traverse City Area Public Schools is asking for community input on the proposed fieldhouse design on Carlisle Road; residents should submit feedback by the end of this month.

Traverse City Area Public Schools is asking residents to give input on a new field house design on Carlisle Road.

Comments will be accepted until the end of this month (visit the school district's website for details).

Traverse City New Year's Eve CherryT Ball Drop

10:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Downtown Traverse City Real Estate — Ticket info available online — Celebrate the New Year with a giant cherry drop and fireworks in the heart of the Cherry Capital.

New Year, New Garden: Landscape Design Workshop

10 AM - 2 PM — The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park — Cost not specified — Enhance your gardening skills in this immersive two-day workshop led by expert Matthew Ross.

Frozen Foot Race

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Eastern Elementary School — Entry fee applicable — Kick off the 2026 race season with a chilly 5-mile run through Traverse City.

Kevin Rhodes Plays it Forward

7-8:30 p.m. — Traverse City Philharmonic — $100 per ticket — Enjoy a benefit concert featuring Maestro Rhodes while supporting the TC Phil and community programs.