THE IRON MOUNTAIN Downtown Development Authority invites community members to submit notes telling what they most love about the downtown for its Valentine’s Day campaign. DDA Events Coordinator Tania Mishra, left, and Program Director Mindy Wittock place submitted valentines in the Be Mine Iron Mountain Downtown box at City Hall. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Is it the historic architecture, or the quaint shops and specialty restaurants that draws you to Iron Mountain’s downtown? Or maybe a favorite coffee?

The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority invites community members to tell them — in a valentine note — what they love most about the downtown.

The Be Mine Iron Mountain Downtown campaign was created as a fun way to showcase the downtown while incorporating the holiday.

DDA Program Director Mindy Wittock and DDA Events Coordinator Tania Mishra wanted to do something different for Valentine’s Day, so they began checking out what other towns were doing.

“As we were decorating our windows and brainstorming, we kept saying to each other how much we loved our downtown,” Mishra said. “That is kind of what gave us the idea of, ‘What if we gave a valentine to our downtown?'”

“This is another way we can uplift and bring our community together,” Wittocks added. “Makes us think about where we live and how great it really is.”

The DDA will share all valentine messages received on their social media platforms.

“We really wanted to highlight what makes Iron Mountain special,” Wittock said. “I really noticed the scenery — how beautiful the hill looked in the background, especially at the golden hour, or when the bistro lights come on at night — it just has this cozy feeling.”

There is no age requirement — everyone is welcome to join in, Wittock said.

Letters can be mailed to the Downtown Development Authority, 501 S. Stephenson Ave., Iron Mountain, MI 49801; or dropped off in the Iron Mountain City Hall office.

Notes also can be submitted by tagging the DDA using the hashtag #BeMineIMDowntown.

“So far we have been promoting the new addition primarily through digital communication so far,” Mishra said. “We look forward to hearing from the community.”

Those who submit a valentine to the DDA with an uplifting message will be entered to win a spa-themed gift basket donated by Denim Heart. All entries must include name and telephone number. The winner will be drawn at the DDA board meeting Feb. 14.

The gift basket can be viewed in the City Hall window alongside East A Street.

The community also is encouraged to go to the DDA’s social media pages for local specials and promotions that may help them plan for Valentine’s Day.

“I believe our downtown is this little treasure of a place and it keeps getting better,” Wittock said. “We are excited to be part of that.”