(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo) “Kicking It Old School” begins the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority’s summer activities on Thursday. DDA Event Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen presents a poster to Linnea & Kristine co-owner Linnea Marchetti in preparation for Thursday’s event. The Third Thursday series is sponsored by Linnea & Kristine.

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Downtown Development Authority is bringing back Third Thursdays with a “bang.”

The 2023 season opens with “Kicking It Old School” from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Linnea & Kristine is this year’s sponsor for the monthly Iron Mountain series.

Live music will highlight the evening with the local band Next Myle performing from 5 to 8 p.m., sponsored by Frog 101.5. Food trucks vendors including Grateful Cheese, Millie’s Market, Flavor Blast and Matilda’s Elephant Ears will be serving from 4 to 8 p.m. in the downtown stage area.

They will also have outdoor yard games for adults to enjoy while listening to music.

“Bring your lawn chairs for the music and games,” said DDA Event Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen. “It’s just like an Out to Lunch event, but in the evening.”

The First National Bank & Trust of Iron Mountain will sponsor a children’s area with bounce houses in the parking lot next to the stage.

The Dickinson County Library will also host fun activities, games, and giveaways for kids.

Participating downtown businesses will stay open later, along with in-store specials from 4 to 7 p.m.

“We know people are still at work until 5 p.m., so we are asking our businesses to stay open at least an hour longer,” said Williamsen, noting each business sets their own hours. “They will also have ‘I am a Third Thursday participant’ posters displayed in their windows.”

Shoppers will receive raffle tickets as they visit, dine, and shop during extended hours. One ticket can be earned per person, per business and event sponsor Linnea & Kristine will present three raffle tickets to their customers.

To be entered in the DDA drawing, tickets need to be brought to the downtown stage by 7:20 p.m. They will be drawing for prizes at 7:30 p.m.

The DDA hopes to include small portion gift cards from the downtown businesses. “This will help get people continue to flow through the doors,” said Williamsen. The DDA has also purchased some “cool old school merchandise,” she noted.“We have receive a great response,” Williamsen said. “I’m looking forward to kicking off the summer’s events on Thursday.”

Williamsen noted they have several special activities planned for the Third Thursday evenings, including additional concerts at the stage, a block party, and music on the terrace. “We would like to have a block party in July, so the music will move to Ludington Street in front of Sol Blu,” she said.

The One Human Band is coming back to play his accordion for the the pre-Oktoberfest festivities in September.

Third Thursdays will conclude in November with “Girls Night Out.”

“We are also hoping to get comedians for our November event,” said Williamsen. “You will be able to go shopping for ‘Girls Night Out’ and come have drinks and laugh at the Braumart.”

Businesses can sign up to participate in Third Thursday by going to the DDA Facebook page or email Williamsen at events@downtownironmountain.com.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772 ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com