ALPENA — Join the statewide celebration of Michigan Downtown Day today in Downtown Alpena.

This second annual Downtown Day is aimed to honor and support downtowns and the small businesses located within them. The Michigan Downtown Association, a statewide nonprofit organization and a driving force in the interest and growth of downtowns and communities throughout Michigan, made the push with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year to officially claim the fourth Saturday in September as Downtown Day.

“Downtowns, and their small businesses, deserve to be celebrated, for they distinguish a community, are the drivers of economic development, and help to offer a sense of place that contributes significantly to the quality of life of residents,” MDA Director Dana Walker said. “The small businesses located within a downtown create jobs, commerce, and investment.”

With the importance of a strong downtown in mind, the Alpena Downtown Development Authority encourages people to come out this weekend and enjoy all that Downtown Alpena has to offer.

Some ideas include:

¯ Make a day of shopping and browse over 30 one-of-a-kind shops that call Downtown Alpena home. Pick up a new book, outfit, accessories, piece of local artwork, and more.

¯ Grab lunch or dinner at one of our 12 restaurants and eateries.

¯ Get a glass of wine, beer, or cocktail to-go, and enjoy the Downtown Alpena Social District.

¯ Take a stroll and enjoy downtown’s newest murals at the entrance of the Alpena Boat Harbor.

¯ Share what you love about Downtown Alpena on social media and use the hashtag #MIDowntownDay.

“Our downtown is the heart of our community, and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy our downtown this weekend,” DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry said. “Downtown Day is the perfect opportunity to grab a family member or friend, take a stroll, and explore all that our downtown has to offer, including over 10 new businesses that have opened downtown this year.”

For more information regarding Downtown Day, please contact downtownalpenami@gmail.com or call 989-356-6422.