Iron Mountain, MI – (December 7) The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority is hoping to spread Christmas cheer in what has been a challenging year, through the Downtown Christmas Walk event, which will run from December 14 through December 27.
“Although the Downtown Christmas Walk may look a bit different this year, the heart of the event is still there. I hope that all can come and enjoy the true beauty that downtown brings during the Christmas season,” said Amber Pipp, DDA Program Director.
New this year, Operation Tinsel Town will be making a mysterious debut. The DDA has suggested going to Downtown Iron Mountain’s Facebook page at facebook.com/downtownironmountain to view video “teasers” that have been released in the last few weeks, and to tune in to their page on Saturday, December 12 to see what this mystery operation is all about.
The Downtown Christmas Walk event will be officially kicking off with event partner, First National Bank & Trust’s Virtual Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, December 14. The tree lighting will be
streaming live from the First National Bank downtown outdoor plaza at facebook.com/fnbimk on December 14th at 5:30pm. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will lead the ceremony to officially light the tree,
From December 14 through December 27, the community is encouraged to enjoy the beauty of downtown and do the Christmas Walk at a time that best fits their schedule. The map for suggested
walking route will be posted by December 14 at
downtownironmountain.com/christmas-walk.
The DDA will also have a “Letters to Santa” mailbox outside of Iron Mountain City Hall, where children are invited to drop off their letters any time before Christmas, all of which will be mailed straight to the North Pole!
While walking, participants will be able to view and vote on business windows that are participating in the Downtown Window Decorating Contest. Voting will be “contactless” and done online by going to the
DDA’s website, or by scanning the QR code that will be displayed on a “Vote for Me” poster hanging in the window of all participating businesses.
This year, there will be a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prize for the Window Decorating Contest, which will be determined by the online voting. First National Bank & Trust has sponsored this contest, which will allow three mini grants to be given out to the winners. 1st place will receive $400, 2nd place will receive $250, and 3rd place will receive $100. 2020 participating businesses include: Bijou Lovely, BK Enterprises – The Engraving Store, Brick + Mortar, Contrast Coffee, Dulce Nulla Gourmet Desserts, Erickson Jewelers, Kenneth James Salon, Linnea & Kristine, Mully & Mo’s (window by the Spiro’s patio,) Nic’s Boutique, Salon 323, Spiro’s Downtown Restaurant, Split Endz Salon, The Savage Mane Salon & Day Spa, Wild Horse Saloon, and The Wishing Well Gifts. Full list of businesses, addresses, and online ballot can be found at downtownironmountain.com/christmas-walk
Another new addition this year, hosted by Friends of the DDA, is the Christmas Walk Virtual Fundraiser Concert Series. These live concerts will be streamed throughout the course of the two week time period of the Christmas Walk on the Downtown Iron Mountain Facebook page at facebook.com/downtownironmountain
These concerts will feature local musicians who will be performing some of their favorite songs, as well as some Christmas classics, to raise funds for the Downtown Business Relief Fund grant program. Funds raised will go toward mini grants for businesses that have been
negatively impacted by restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donations can be made during the concerts, or any time, by going to downtownironmountain.com/friendsofdda Donations can also be mailed to: Friends of the DDA; 501 S. Stephenson Ave. Iron Mountain, MI 49801.
A great, family friendly way to enjoy the Christmas Walk, is to participate in the Story Stroll, provided by the Dickinson County Library and sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The 2020 title, “Winter Cats” by Janet Lawler, is a fun twist on an inclusive tale of cats enjoying winter activities. The story will be available for viewing in some of the downtown storefronts participating in the Window Decorating Contest, that are accessible from outside. More details about the route, puzzle clues, and prize pickup can be found on the Library website, www.dcl lib.org.
“The Story Stroll is a great outdoor activity for families enjoying downtown Iron Mountain, whether shopping at local businesses or just looking for something fun to do together,” said Megan Buck, Director of the Dickinson County Library.
This year, the Story Stroll has a new, fun and competitive twist! Children who complete the Story Stroll can collect the clues that will be on each story page to solve a puzzle. Call the library at (906)774-1218 and share the answer to schedule a curbside pickup for a Christmas gift, sponsored by First National Bank & Trust.
“First National Bank & Trust is delighted to be able to sponsor the Downtown Window Decorating Contest mini-grants, as well as the Kids Christmas Gift Packs,” said Matthew Lutz, First National Bank & Trust CFO. “This year has been challenging in many ways to say the least. Modifying this year’s event to a Virtual Community Christmas Tree Lighting with a self-guided Downtown Christmas Walk Tour is great way to ensure these events can still take place, benefiting and showcasing our amazing downtown businesses.”
More information on this event can be found at
downtownironmountain.com/christmas-walk
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Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority The mission of the Downtown Development Authority is to create a vibrant downtown in Iron Mountain by promoting economic growth through organizing community events, attracting new businesses and advancing the beautification and historic preservation within the district.
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