Alpena DDA: Various projects to begin in the warmer months

ALPENA -- The weather in Alpena may not yet feel like spring, but the Alpena Downtown Development Authority has big plans for when the temperatures warm.

On Thursday, DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry shared details on some of the projects planned for downtown, as well as events she believes people will flock to.

Over the last eight years, murals have become a popular way to enhance arts and culture downtown, and plans are in motion to have more of the barren walls reimagined. Gentry said the DDA is currently accepting applications for the next round of the Fresh Waves mural project. Gentry said artists have until April 15 to submit their ideas for murals on walls along the alleyways downtown.

Applications are available on the DDA website, downtownalpenami.com.

"We know this year the murals will be painted in different alleyways downtown, so property owners that have a location on an alleyway can apply," she said. "We're really hoping to scatter them between the allies on 1st and 3rd street, in areas by the Center Building, The Alpena News, and in the Rusty Petunias."

As summer nears, the downtown needs to be spruced up and decorated to make it inviting and picturesque, Gentry said. On May 12, the DDA will lead the charge and recruit volunteers to plant flowers, pick up trash, and ready the downtown district for guests and residents.

For $50, businesses and individuals can sponsor a tree base that will be filled with flowers. Businesses and individuals can have their name on a sign in the small flower garden.

Gentry said any additional funds raised will be used to purchase additional hanging flower baskets and invest in updated flower planters in the future.

Volunteers are needed to help with the beautification project, Gentry said.

"They help to plant the flowers around the trees, and, if we have extra hands, have them kind of sweep up the parking lots, picking up trash, and raking, and just help get the downtown ready for summer," Gentry said.

A new event downtown is planned for June 2 to 3, Gentry said. She said the Alpena Flower Festival will kind of mimic aspects of Ice Fest, as flower displays will be placed downtown, similar to how ice sculptures were placed around town during the winter festival. Gentry said she hopes local restaurants and bars will also serve flower-themed drinks and meals during the event.

"We're working with local florists to create large floral installations throughout the downtown," she said. "They will be fresh flowers and they should be on display for a few days after the festival for people to enjoy and take pictures with."

Regardless of whether the ally near the Center Building gets a mural or not, there are plans for improvements there. Gentry said that, in the coming weeks, the DDA will request the Alpena Municipal Council close the alley. She said tables and chairs could be set up and, possibly, new lights installed.