Summer 2014 is not quite a wrap, but with Labor Day weekend upon us the unofficial end is near. How will TC’s summer be remembered? Here’s The Ticker’s take:

1. We’ve grown to love Riesling and paella. Though it originated on Spain’s east coast, paella is – at least unofficially – becoming the signature dish of TC’s festival scene.

Four years ago most northern Michiganders had never tried the rice-based dish; Sam Porter of Porterhouse Productions/Tent Venue says 4,400 plates of it were served at his five events this summer. The dish is so popular that Porter is working on a paella catering company (details to come).

This summer also brought the celebration of this region’s signature grape, Riesling, with the inaugural City of Riesling event. Germany’s Stuart Pigott, considered the “world’s expert” on Riesling, was even in town. Co-creator and sommelier Amanda Danielson says there were more than 4,500 tastes of Rieslings poured during the three-day event.

2. For better or worse, the Open Space no longer has a stranglehold on festivals and events. The new TC Summer Concert Series at the Northwest Michigan Fairgrounds and opening up Flintfields Horse Park in Williamsburg to more than horses proved that. Lyle Lovett and Cars, Beats & Eats in Acme Township both rocked it. Now the Taste of Traverse City gets its turn this weekend at its new venue, The Grand Traverse Resort in Acme.

3. Beach advisories are the new reality. Out of 11 weekly beach monitoring reports in Grand Traverse County, there were seven times that individual beaches had Level 2 water quality readings – when contact with the water above the waist was not advised. The worst single day for Level 2 readings was July 24, with advisories at West End, Bryant Park, the State Park and Acme Bayside Park, most likely caused by recent rain.

4. Rain and retail still mix well. Many downtown Traverse City shops experienced record sales, with cold water and summertime temps on the cooler side, driving more people to shop than swim. Apparel sellers and Front Street restaurateurs polled by The Ticker say traffic was at all-time highs, buoyed not only by weather but also by record National Cherry Festival and Traverse City Film Festival crowds. Water-based businesses were not as fortunate.

5. These three summer hot button issues will carry into fall:

The Cherry Fest – This summer’s 4th of July celebration with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels was impressive for more than just the fireworks and flying. Despite quick action by volunteers, trash was a major issue. Trash, crowds, and the length of the cherished festival will continue to be part of post-Cherry Festival debriefing by the City Commission.

Seasonal homeless shelter – Will Safe Harbor’s proposal to the City to use a vacant warehouse on Wellington Street to consolidate the services offered by 23 area churches and 2,100 volunteers be approved before winter settles in, or will another proposal come forward? Safe Harbor has submitted its Special Land Use Permit Application to be discussed by the TC Planning Commission at its Sept. 3 meeting.

History Center – The 110-year-old Carnegie Building appears headed for change. Will the History Center get a new lease, will the building instead become an arts hub, or will city leaders pursue a hybrid approach? And what of the city’s Con Foster collection?