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I blinked, and, somehow, it's October again.
It seems I was just watching the florists decking out downtown for our first-ever Flower Festival that kicked off the summer, yet, somehow, the leaves have begun their change, the temps (may) start to drop, and another season has arrived.
It's been a busy summer throughout downtown.
More people have been discovering our side of the state and what a hidden gem Alpena is. With the Sanctuary Cinema having its first full season, it was noticeable how many more people came downtown at various hours of the day. Viking cruise ships stopped here 20 times, being greeted at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and then sent off on their excursions. This year, there was a notable increase in the number of visitors who made their way into the core of downtown, a welcome sight during the slower days of the week.
The Flower Festival, Brown Trout Festival, live music on Fridays with the Alpena Street Performers, alleyway parties, downtown had an energy this summer as people came to connect, relax, and enjoy where they live.
Construction also started on Thunder Bay Theatre, another hundred-year-old-plus building getting new life. With the support of state granting organizations, local foundations, and private donations, that $1.4 million renovation is possible. North 2nd Avenue hasn't been the same without the theater open these last three years. They plan an opening date in late 2024.
Here at the Downtown Development Authority, we wrapped up Fresh Waves 2023 with six new pieces of artwork completed near Hopside Brewery, Rusty Petunias Marketplace, Harborside Cycle, Noise and Toys, and two power boxes at the entrance and exit to the alleyway. Artists from Northeast Michigan to New York City to Ontario left their artistic mark downtown. This year's project was part of the greater effort to transform the alleyways into pedestrian gathering spaces used for gatherings and events. From concerts to class reunions, the alleyway saw more activity than it ever has, growing as a place for art, music, and connection.
Fall is slated to be just as busy.
Shades of Fall takes place this weekend, with a scarecrow competition, our Chili Chowder Cook-off, Black Sheep's Oktoberfest, and Fresh Palate's Sunrise Suds. October will finish up with Witches Night Out (Oct. 20) and Downtown Trick or Treating and Trunk or Treat (Oct. 27). The city will begin planning for Culligan Plaza's renovation, which is slated to begin next spring. Our boundary expansion process should be wrapping up, as well, which will allow properties along Chisholm Street and North 2nd Avenue to access DDA grants, programs, events, and more.
All of those activities -- from festivals to public art to live music to building renovations -- don't just happen.
Great places don't just happen.
The level of activity, excitement, and growth we are seeing is the result of the commitment and investment of many individuals and organizations working together. From the Department of Public Works, which waters flowers, to the Sunset Project, which sponsored an additional mural, from nonprofit leaders who write grants to businesses who organize events, there are numerous organizations and individuals who work behind the scenes to make our community a great, beautiful, vibrant place.
Blink and we'll be in the holiday season. Fall displays will transform to twinkle lights and ornaments. The tree will go up in Culligan Plaza. As the busyness of summer winds down, it is important to keep that positive momentum going.
We all have a role to play in community development.
Shop at a local business. Attend an event downtown. Enjoy live music. Eat out. Go see a movie. Stop by the library or an art gallery. Volunteer your time to champion the issues you feel passionately about.
Without all of us playing our part, our own great place won't continue to thrive.
Anne Gentry graduated from Brown University with a degree in comparative literature and has studied in Italy and South Australia. She is currently executive director of the Alpena Downtown Development Authority.