(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo) Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority Event Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen displays the gift basket for the “Lucky in Love” contest. The DDA invites community members to share their stories of love and/or luck that are tied to Iron Mountain’s downtown. Included in the basket is two tickets to Italian Fest.

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority kicks off its “Lucky in Love” contest today.

The community is invited to celebrate the magic of Iron Mountain’s downtown by sharing their heartwarming stories of how love and luck has played a role their lives.

Participants will be entered into a drawing to win a gift basket.

“Whether it’s a romantic story, a memorable night with friends, or a moment shared on our downtown streets — the DDA wants to hear about it,” DDA Event Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen said. “I just really want people to think of a time where they felt grateful, lucky or in love involving the downtown.”

It can be something simple, she added, as finding their favorite shirt at a local boutique to how they bumped into the person they ended up spending the rest of their life with.

Williamsen shares her own special experience after moving from Appleton, Wis. “It was my first outing with friends to the Moose Jackson and as I walked in, I first noticed the big menu wall of all the cool food that they have, which is great as that’s what I was used to,” she said. “As I sat enjoying my lunch, I looked out the window and it was in that moment I got that feeling of this is my home now.”

Williamsen also hopes that business owners come forward and tell their stories, including what brought them to the downtown.

With the event season being only six months long, the DDA wanted to add some activity during its quiet time. Williamsen created the new “Lucky in Love” to incorporate Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.

“We wanted to try something a little different, as well as bring a little life into the community,” said Williamsen, noting the last couple years they conducted the “Be Mine” campaign. “I hope this brings a little bit of love and excitement.”

Story submissions are now open and will be accepted through St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. Participants can send them by email to events@downtownironmountain.com, with the subject “Lucky in Love Contest Entry” or through a dedicated form on the DDA’s website at downtownironmountain.com/lucky-in-love. They can also be mailed or dropped off to Iron Mountain City Hall, c/o DDA Lucky in Love Contest, 501 S. Stephenson Ave., Iron Mountain, MI 49801.

All entries will be put into a random digital drawing for a gift basket filled with donations from area businesses and two tickets to Italian Fest.

She encouraged everyone to share their own unique personal stories that showcases the magic of the downtown.

“We can’t wait to hear the heartfelt stories from our community members and celebrate the love and luck that makes downtown Iron Mountain so special,” Williamsen said.

The mission of the Downtown Development Authority is to create a vibrant downtown in Iron Mountain by promoting economic growth through organizing community events, attracting new businesses and advancing the beautification and historic preservation within the district.

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