Still Going The Distance: North American Vasa Gets Set For 50th
By Kierstin Gunsberg | Nov. 29, 2025
Traverse City’s North American Vasa Festival of Races turns 50 this winter, with some 600 participants gearing up to hit the trails in celebration on Valentine’s weekend. The Ticker caught up with Vasa’s President Emeritus Pete LaPlaca to look back at the event’s defining moments and find out what’s in store for its next 50 years.
1976 Kicks off Vasa’s first official race
While the volunteer-run Vasa has operated as a nonprofit since 1990, it began like so many northern Michigan traditions, as a promotional event to draw visitors during the shoulder season. In 1976, then-Park Place Hotel manager Ted Okerstrom partnered with Olympic skier Vojin Baic to organize a …
Dennos Museum Hopes Rebrand Will Better Engage Visitors, Unlock Critical Funding
One of the largest community college museums in the country hopes a rebrand will help it stay …
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Read More >>Today Saturday, November 29, 2025
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
Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Fair
Featuring hand-crafted, unique gifts, kid's cookie decorating, holiday raffle, wreath sale, & Whoville holiday hair stand. 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
2025 Mac & Cheese Bake-Off: SOLD OUT
Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail members select their favorite seasonal wine & pair it with memorable Mac & … More Info >>10:00 AM
Empire Artisan Holiday Marketplace
Local artisans present their creations & crafts. Santa Claus will also be making a visit. More Info >>10:00 AM
Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace
A huge selection of gifts from 25+ vendors. Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus at the M22 Wine Patio … More Info >>10:00 AM
Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
Sponsored by Glen Lake's PTO. Featuring local & student makers & a bake sale. More Info >>10:00 AM
Holiday in the Village & Santa at the Bay
Mail your letters to Santa, vote in the village-wide tree decorating contest. 2pm: Free family movie at The … More Info >>10:00 AM
Indoor Farmers Market
Browse the Mercato halls every Sat. through April. More than 30 vendors offer a variety of items from … More Info >>10:00 AM
Lighthouse Parade of Trees
See 15 decorated themed trees located throughout the historic lighthouse buildings, including Northport in Postcards, Woolsey Airport, Grinch, … 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
Small Business Saturday
Support downtown merchants & enjoy deals! See web site for participating merchants & special offerings. 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
Ada Twist, Scientist
A fun musical based on the books "Rosie Revere, Engineer"; "Iggy Peck, Architect"; & "Ada Twist, Scientist" by … 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
Holiday Arts & Crafts
Artisans will be displaying original & unique arts. Holiday décor, pottery, fiber arts & needlework, jewelry, photography, paintings, … 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
Say NO to Israel's Genocide
The ceasefire in Gaza has not stopped Israel from killing Palestinians every day. Join MidEast:JustPeace in a weekly … 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 >>4:00 PM
Twinkle the Night
Enjoy this annual holiday tree lighting event. Cocktails & food, carols sung by OMP students, face painting, holiday … More Info >>5:00 PM
Annual Christmas in the Village of Lake Ann
Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas with a cozy small-town parade leading Santa to his grand arrival. There will be … More Info >>5:00 PM
First Light Celebration
Santa will kick off the festivities at 5pm with a Horse Drawn Surrey ride down Crystal Mountain Drive … More Info >>5:00 PM
The Village Tree Lighting
Enjoy hot chocolate & Christmas music performed by Christina Teresa while you await the 6:15pm countdown. More Info >>Elk Rapids Harbor Days Rescheduled For 2026; Festival Will Occur One Week Later Than Normal
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Read More >>Join Us for a Special December Recess of Giving at the TC Phil!
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DDA Board Approves Farmers Market Design, Two-Way State Street, Rotary Square Engineering
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