SALES ASSOCIATE CHELSEA HANING decorates a Christmas tree in the window of Erickson’s Jewelers for the Downtown Window Decorating Contest that will take place during the 2018 Christmas Walk on Friday in Iron Mountain. (Theresa Proudfit/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority is bringing back the Downtown Window Decorating Contest for the 2018 Christmas Walk on Friday.

The DDA recently received a placemaking grant to be used on winter beautification projects in the downtown district.

“The board decided to give some of this funding back to our downtown businesses through a mini-grant, and felt the window decorating contest would be a great avenue to reward their beautification efforts,” said Amber Pipp, DDA events coordinator.

The winner of the contest will receive a $250 mini-grant and an advertising package for the business.

Voting for this contest opens the night of the Christmas Walk. The community will have an opportunity to view and enjoy the decorated windows while on the walk. Voting for the contest will continue through Monday, Dec. 17, with the winner announced the next day.

“We are so excited to have many downtown businesses participating in this contest and to help us light up downtown,” Pipp said, adding, “What better way is there to showcase our beautiful and thriving downtown?”

Friday’s event will begin with ornament decorating from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Dickinson County Library in Iron Mountain. Participants can make an ornament for the library tree, the community tree and also to keep.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 4 p.m. at the library. Children of all ages can share their Christmas wishes and be photographed with Santa from 4 to 5:45 p.m. by Taylor Andrews Photography, which is sponsored by Friends of the Dickinson County Library.

“The library is a perfect hub for the Christmas Walk activities, as it is a popular space where families gather and it has heat,” Pipp said.

A live nativity scene will be set up from 4 to 7 p.m. near the downtown stage.

The Iron Mountain Fire Department will arrive at 5:45 p.m. at the library to escort Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Christmas Tree Lighting. The Christmas Walk will follow behind the fire truck to First National Bank and Trust.

The walk will end at the bank at 6:15 p.m., where the public can warm up with a hot beverage and join the Community Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to continue their evening at “The Nutcracker” ballet performance by Dickinson Ballet Company and Northern Michigan Dance Academy at 7:30 p.m. at The Braumart Theatre in Iron Mountain. For additional showings and ticket information, go to thebraumart.org.

Pipp noted that all this week, community members as well as businesses are encouraged to help decorate the Community Christmas Tree and drop off an ornament at the downtown branch of First National Bank & Trust.

The site also is a “giving tree,” where gently used hats, scarves, mittens or other winter items can be placed on or nearby for donation.

“We are grateful for our partners, the Dickinson County Library and First National Bank and Trust, for helping us put on a family-friendly event that celebrates this great community,” DDA Program Director Paula Craven said. “We hope everyone will join us as we gather together to officially welcome the spirit of Christmas into downtown Iron Mountain.”

Any downtown business interested in participating in the Downtown Window Decorating Contest can go to the DDA website at downtownironmountain.com, which has a timeline and other details for all activities as well.