Good morning, this is your Traverse City Local Frequency for Thursday, November 20th, 2025. As the sun rises over the bay, Traverse City is bustling with both pressing local stories and the joyful hum of the holiday season. Commissioners in Grand Traverse County spent part of their Wednesday focused on Silver Lake, debating who should oversee its water levels and expressing concern over liability. Also on the county agenda were key discussions about funding for Project Alpha and other community improvement initiatives—projects aimed at keeping our neighborhoods strong and responsive.
The city’s legal pulse was marked by news from the courts this week. Two teenage suspects charged in the recent tragic shooting of a city Parking Services employee appeared before a judge; both pled not guilty and were denied bond, a case that continues to weigh heavily on our community as we seek justice and healing.
On a lighter note, downtown Traverse City is alive with new energy as several restaurants and retail shops open their doors, adding fresh options for foodies and shoppers just in time for the winter rush. City planners are eyeing a new downtown hotel partnership, which could bring unique pedestrian-friendly spaces and more vibrancy to our central business district as proposals are reviewed.
Holiday spirit is officially in the air—quite literally! More than 500,000 lights are set to dazzle through downtown parks and streets for the season-long Holiday Lights Festival. Saturday night, the beloved Traverse City Light Parade steps off at 6:30, a brilliant kickoff to holiday festivities that always brings the community together. And the downtown Christmas tree, a majestic 40-foot blue spruce, now stands tall, ready for its shining moment. Don’t miss the tree lighting if you’re downtown this weekend.
Art lovers have plenty to fill their day as well. The Small Works Holiday Exhibition is open, offering affordable original art for those seeking local gifts with meaning. You can also catch the Merry Marketplace at the Old Art Building, filled with hundreds of handmade treasures, or visit the creative work on display at the Crooked Tree Arts Center.
If you’re looking for a way to unwind, the Traverse Area District Library offers chair yoga and a freestyle writing workshop today—perfect options for boosting your wellbeing and creativity as the chilly winds pick up.
Tomorrow, volunteers across the city are preparing Thanksgiving baskets to ensure everyone enjoys a warm holiday meal. So whether you’re shopping, attending community events, or giving back, there’s something for everyone this week in Traverse City.
This has been Traverse City Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
For more http://www.quietplease.ai
Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
