GT County Updates: Airport Bonds, Planning Contracts, Body Art Rules & Project Alpha
By Beth Milligan | Dec. 5, 2025
Grand Traverse County commissioners tackled a packed agenda Wednesday that included a 700-page packet and nearly four hours of meeting time. The Ticker has a look at key commission actions, from pledging the county’s full faith and credit to $71 million in airport bonds and approving several planning contracts to holding a public hearing on body art regulations and receiving a Project Alpha update.
Airport Bonds
Commissioners narrowly voted 5-4 Wednesday to pledge the county’s full faith and credit to up to $71 million in bonds Cherry Capital Airport will issue toward a planned $120 million airport expansion this spring. Commissioners agreed to back the bonds – lending the county’s …
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9:00 AM
2025 Small Works Holiday Exhibition
An annual showcase of 2D + 3D work that offers small, original art at affordable prices... $150 or … More Info >>9:00 AM
Something To Smile About: Mixed Media Paintings by Carol C Spaulding
Enjoy this small group of new mixed media paintings that runs from Sept. 2 - Dec. 17. See … More Info >>10:00 AM
Merry Marketplace 2025: Holiday Art Market
Shop hundreds of unique handmade gifts & works of art from artists all over the state. See hours … More Info >>10:00 AM
OAC Holiday Artisan Boutique
Find gifts from regional artists showcasing a variety of ready-to-gift handmade items, holiday cards, ornaments, accessories & more. … More Info >>10:00 AM
OAC Holiday Artisan Boutique
Find gifts from regional artists showcasing a variety of ready-to-gift handmade items, holiday cards, ornaments, accessories & more. … More Info >>10:00 AM
Winter Member Exhibition
Dec. 5 - Jan. 2. Opening reception on Dec. 5 from 5-7pm. OAC member showcase is an all-media … More Info >>11:00 AM
8th Annual Art Tree & Ornament Show
Featuring hundreds of handmade ornaments. Opening reception will be held on Dec. 4 from 5-8pm. Runs through New … More Info >>11:00 AM
Beneath the Surface: Training Tomorrow’s Water Stewards
The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at NMC is advancing freshwater, groundwater, & marine science through cutting-edge technology, … More Info >>11:00 AM
Dewey Blocksma: Roundtable
Blocksma's artwork is a gathering of figures & ideas, real & imagined, informed by medicine & art. Common … More Info >>11:00 AM
Guild Pop-Up Exhibit: Marilyn Rebant
Runs Dec. 2-18. Marilyn Rebant’s Eclectic Vision celebrates the beauty of inspiration in motion. Each piece captures shifting … More Info >>11:00 AM
Ice Into Ocean: Arctic Tracings
This exhibition is the result of a seven year collaboration between Cy Keener & Justine Holzman, exploring how … More Info >>11:00 AM
Local Artist Melonie Steffes Solo Exhibit: Wilder Alternatives
Featuring Steffes' whimsical imagined realism oil paintings. Runs through Dec. 25 with an opening reception on Dec. 4 … More Info >>11:00 AM
Winter and the Blues
Enjoy seasonal sips & sweets as you explore the local artwork that reflects the calm, light & quiet … More Info >>3:00 PM
TC Authors' Book Fair
Join in the halls of the Mercato. Meet the authors & purchase signed copies of books written by … More Info >>4:00 PM
Art Exhibition for Conservation: The Jerry Gates Collection
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Cookbook Dinner Series Presents "The Book of St. John"
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Holiday Lights Hike
See the Grand Traverse Lighthouse all dressed up for Christmas at the Holiday Lights Hike at Leelanau State … More Info >>5:00 PM
Maier Ceramics Winter Show + Kiln Tours
An afternoon of art, community & holiday cheer. Featuring the newest pieces from a handmade collection. Also enjoy … More Info >>5:30 PM
The Christmas Journey
Experience the Story of Christmas from Creation to Bethlehem & beyond on a 45-minute outdoor walking tour through … More Info >>7:00 PM
Boot-Scootin'
Line dancing instruction set to pop music by Tony, formerly of the DC Rawhides. Shoe suggestion: smooth-soled shoes/boots, … More Info >>7:30 PM
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
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