ALPENA — Flannel Fun Night brought Alpena shoppers out for special deals and to support local businesses downtown despite a rainy night.

More than 20 businesses participated, according to the Alpena Downtown Development Authority, which hosted the event.

“I think it’s fantastic,” Mary Rajasekhar, owner of Olivet Books and Gifts, said. “I think that anything we can do to encourage people to enjoy the downtown is absolutely positive.”

The customers were excited for the event, as well, and some said they had planned in advance for it.

Kathy Kindt participated in the event with her neighbor and was expecting a big turnout for the night.

“Yeah, I think it’s good for the rain,” Kindt said outside Regalo Luxury Gifts. “So far, we’ve only been to a few places, but it’s been good. The rain’s not stopping us.”

Emma Shea and Kiersten Wirgau also attended after seeing the event promoted on Facebook.

“She actually just decided to pick me up tonight,” Shea said.

“It’s always good to support downtown businesses, as well, like, I work at Bolenz (Jewelry),” Wirgau said. “So I realize, especially with COVID and everything, how much the small businesses are impacted, so it’s really good to go out and support them and the good deals are just a bonus.”