The Michigan Downtown Association (MDA) is proud to announce that Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially proclaimed Saturday, September 26 as Downtown Day across the state of Michigan. This marks the seventh annual celebration of the day dedicated to recognizing and supporting the economic and cultural importance of downtowns throughout Michigan.
With downtowns continuing to serve as the social, cultural, and economical heart of their communities, the MDA initiated the proclamation to encourage Michigan residents to support these vibrant spaces by shopping, dining, attending events, or volunteering in their local downtowns.
“Downtowns, and the small businesses located within them, deserve to be celebrated,” said Dana Walker, executive director of the MDA. “They distinguish a community, drive economic development, and help create the sense of place that makes Michigan such a unique and welcoming state.”
The MDA is encouraging residents to get out and explore Michigan’s downtowns on Downtown Day, whether that means enjoying a local coffee shop, browsing retail stores, dining at a favorite restaurant, or simply taking in a community event. Many MDA member communities have organized special events to mark the occasion.
For example, the Lapeer Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Main Street Program will host PorchFest, an event that features live music located throughout downtown. Old Town Lansing, Downtown Lansing Inc., and Reo Town are collaborating to encourage visitors to explore and shop all three districts during Downtown Day.
“It’s a great way to bring the community together while generating a positive economic impact for our businesses,” said James Alt, executive director of the Lapeer DDA. “Downtown Lapeer will be especially vibrant during the planned musical acts and events.”
The MDA emphasizes that even simple acts can have a significant impact such as leaving a positive review for a local business online, strolling the sidewalks, enjoying a social district, or having a picnic in a downtown park.
“Downtowns are resilient, but our small businesses and downtown cores still need local support,” Walker added. “Downtown Day gives us the opportunity to show up and invest in the future of our communities.”
For additional information about Downtown Day or to find out how a community can participate, please contact Dana Walker at 248-838-9711 or visit https://michigandowntowns.com.
With downtowns continuing to serve as the social, cultural, and economical heart of their communities, the MDA initiated the proclamation to encourage Michigan residents to support these vibrant spaces by shopping, dining, attending events, or volunteering in their local downtowns.
“Downtowns, and the small businesses located within them, deserve to be celebrated,” said Dana Walker, executive director of the MDA. “They distinguish a community, drive economic development, and help create the sense of place that makes Michigan such a unique and welcoming state.”
The MDA is encouraging residents to get out and explore Michigan’s downtowns on Downtown Day, whether that means enjoying a local coffee shop, browsing retail stores, dining at a favorite restaurant, or simply taking in a community event. Many MDA member communities have organized special events to mark the occasion.
For example, the Lapeer Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Main Street Program will host PorchFest, an event that features live music located throughout downtown. Old Town Lansing, Downtown Lansing Inc., and Reo Town are collaborating to encourage visitors to explore and shop all three districts during Downtown Day.
“It’s a great way to bring the community together while generating a positive economic impact for our businesses,” said James Alt, executive director of the Lapeer DDA. “Downtown Lapeer will be especially vibrant during the planned musical acts and events.”
The MDA emphasizes that even simple acts can have a significant impact such as leaving a positive review for a local business online, strolling the sidewalks, enjoying a social district, or having a picnic in a downtown park.
“Downtowns are resilient, but our small businesses and downtown cores still need local support,” Walker added. “Downtown Day gives us the opportunity to show up and invest in the future of our communities.”
For additional information about Downtown Day or to find out how a community can participate, please contact Dana Walker at 248-838-9711 or visit https://michigandowntowns.com.
