DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Program Director Amber Pipp sets up the “Letters to Santa” mailbox outside of Iron Mountain City Hall as part of the annual Downtown Christmas Walk. Starting Monday, area children will be able to drop off their letters any time before Christmas. Those will then be mailed straight to the North Pole. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority hopes to spread Christmas cheer in what has been a challenging year as the annual Downtown Christmas Walk activities kicks off Monday.

As with majority of events over the past months, the Christmas Walk, which runs through Dec. 27, has been revamped to follow the COVID-19 health guidelines.

“Although the Downtown Christmas Walk may look a bit different this year, the heart of the event is still there,” DDA Program Director Amber Pipp said. “I hope that all can come and enjoy the true beauty that downtown brings during the Christmas season.”

Making a mysterious debut this year is Operation Tinsel Town. The DDA suggests the public go to their Facebook page at facebook.com/downtownironmountain to view video “teasers” that have been released in the last few weeks, and to check back on Saturday to see what this mystery operation is all about.

Activities will officially kick off with event partner, First National Bank & Trust’s Virtual Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday. A live stream of the lighting will begin at 5:30 p.m. from the First National Bank downtown outdoor plaza at facebook.com/fnbimk. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will lead the ceremony.

“The community is encouraged to enjoy the beauty of downtown and do the Christmas Walk at a time that best fits their schedule Monday through Dec. 27,” Pipp said. A suggested walking map will be posted by Monday at downtownironmountain.com/christmas-walk.

The DDA will set up a “Letters to Santa” mailbox outside Iron Mountain City Hall. All area children are welcome to drop off their letters any time before Christmas to have them forwarded straight to the North Pole.

Walkers will be able to view and vote on participating business windows in the Downtown Window Decorating Contest, Pipp said.

Voting will be “contactless” and done online by going to the DDA’s website or by scanning the QR code that will be displayed on a “Vote for Me” poster hanging in each business’s window.

First through third places will be awarded in the Window Decorating Contest, all to be determined by the online voting. First National Bank & Trust is sponsoring the contest, allowing three mini-grants — first, $400; second, $250; and third, $100 — to be given out to the winners.

The 2020 participating businesses include Bijou Lovely, BK Enterprises — The Engraving Store, Brick+Mortar, Contrast Coffee, Dulce Nulla Gourmet Desserts, Erickson Jewelers, Kenneth James Salon, Linnea & Kristine, Mully & Mo’s (window by the Spiro’s patio), Nic’s Boutique, Salon 323, Spiro’s Downtown Restaurant, Split Endz Salon, The Savage Mane Salon & Day Spa, Wild Horse Saloon and The Wishing Well Gifts.

To see a full list of businesses, addresses and online ballot, go to downtownironmountain.com/christmas-walk.

Another new addition this year is the Christmas Walk Virtual Fundraiser Concert Series hosted by Friends of the DDA, Pipp said.

The live concerts will be streamed throughout the course of the two-week Christmas Walk period on the Facebook page. They will feature local musicians who will perform some of their favorite songs as well as some Christmas classics to raise money for the Downtown Business Relief Fund grant program.

“Monies raised will go toward mini-grants for businesses that have been negatively impacted by restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Pipp said.

Donations can be made during the concerts or at any time by going to downtownironmountain.com/friendsofdda. Donations also can be mailed to Friends of the DDA, 501 S. Stephenson Ave., Iron Mountain, MI 49801.

Another family-friendly way to enjoy the Christmas Walk is to participate in the Story Stroll at the Dickinson County Library, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The 2020 title, “Winter Cats” by Janet Lawler, is a fun twist on an inclusive tale of cats enjoying winter activities. The story will be available in some of the downtown storefronts participating in the Window Decorating Contest that are accessible from outside.

“The Story Stroll is a great outdoor activity for families enjoying downtown Iron Mountain, whether shopping at local businesses or just looking for something fun to do together,” said Megan Buck, Dickinson County Library director.

This year, the event has a new, fun and competitive twist, she noted. Children who complete the Stroll can collect the clues that will be on each story page to solve a puzzle.

More details about the route, puzzle clues and prize pickup can be found on the library website at www.dcl- lib.org. Or call the library at 906-774-1218 and share the answer to schedule a curbside pickup for a Christmas gift, sponsored by First National Bank & Trust.

“First National Bank & Trust is delighted to be able to sponsor the Downtown Window Decorating Contest mini-grants, as well as the Kids Christmas Gift Packs,” said Matthew Lutz, chief financial officer for First National Bank & Trust. “This year has been challenging in many ways, to say the least.”

He added, “Modifying this year’s event to a Virtual Community Christmas Tree Lighting with a self-guided Downtown Christmas Walk Tour is great way to ensure these events can still take place, benefiting and showcasing our amazing downtown businesses.”