Written by Lisa Bowers
Journal City Editor
MARQUETTE — A lot goes into running a safe and thriving downtown. Communication plays a big role. Several downtown market business owners met Thursday at the Commons on Third Street to discuss upcoming events and other Downtown Development Authority business.
Market DDA Business Outreach and Promotions Director Michael Bradford provided an update on the DDA’s proposed expansion to the Third Street Corridor, spanning Ridge Street to Fair Avenue. Officials first presented the proposal to the City Commission on January 31, 2022.
According to a presentation on the DDA’s website, its boundaries were expanded in 2011 to include a 10-block section of Third Street, but no tax increment financing for the corridor was included at that time. As Third Street businesses grow, so does the need for walkway maintenance.
Bradford said the DDA is still negotiating with city officials.
He also noted that there are some changes to downtown market events this year.
Of course, Halloween comes at the end of October. Parents and children are invited to trick-or-treat downtown at the Market on Saturday, October 28th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Participating downtown businesses will display “Downtown Halloween Trick-or-Treat” posters in their windows.
To ensure the safety of children during the holidays, the 100 and 200 blocks of West Washington Street will be closed to all vehicles.
Bradford said Market’s new downtown social district will be closed from 3:30 to 7 p.m. to ensure a child-friendly environment. Social District operations will resume after trick-or-treating ends at 7 p.m.
Residential trick-or-treating will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 7 p.m.
The annual Ladies Night Out has expanded for those looking to indulge in some holiday shopping. Rather than being held in the evening from 4 to 8 p.m., celebrants can visit over 60 participating stores throughout the day and explore specials.
The event, called Ladies Day Out, will give shoppers access to passports as well as the traditional raffle for gift baskets containing items donated by participating businesses.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Women’s Center, and donated items such as paper products, non-perishable food and personal items will also be collected at the Women’s Center Harbor House.
DDA also plans to implement a Free After 3 program for downtown holiday shoppers. Under this system, parking in downtown areas is free after 3pm on weekdays. The program begins on November 16th.
And speaking of the Christmas season, the city’s Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m., with live music to celebrate on the Commons stage.
For questions about downtown events, please contact Michael Bradford, Director of Business Outreach and Promotions, Marquette Downtown Development Authority, at mike@downtownmarquette.org.
Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 5070. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.