Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority, along with signature sponsor First Bank, is getting ready for the annual Girls Night Out on Thursday in downtown Iron Mountain. From left are DDA Program Coordinator Tim McCauley, First Bank representatives Alisa Peterson and Debra Crandall and DDA Event Coordinator Katherine Mentel. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Ladies will soon flood downtown Iron Mountain to do their own hunting at Girls Night Out.

Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority will host its annual shopping event from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday. This year’s GNO signature sponsor is First Bank.

“The evening provides a time for friends to come together, make memories and have lots of fun,” said DDA Event Coordinator Katherine Mentel. “It’s really become such a big downtown tradition.”

Currently, the DDA has 37 businesses and groups that will take part in the evening festivities.

“We have a few pop-up shops that will be set up throughout the downtown as well,” she said.

Mentel noted that many will offer specials, deals and give-aways during these extended hours.

The DDA will walk around throughout the evening to hand out give-aways from First Bank.

“A lot of the businesses will have food and refreshments for guests,” she said. “We have heard that Sugar Jets food truck will be set up behind O.M. GIGI Boutique.”

Businesses do have flexibility with their hours, as some will open earlier or stay open later.

The DDA will again post an interactive Google Map on its website. They will include a feature that displays deals and specials for each participating business.

“The map is great to use to plan out your trip around the downtown,” said Mentel.

She also noted they have a few new businesses downtown that will host grand openings in conjunction with GNO.

“It’s great to see how the tradition has grown even outside of the downtown district,” added Mentel.

After a full night of shopping, girls can wind down at the After Party from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Sol Blu Lounge and Tap Room. They will have food and drink specials.

Local musician Melanie Rose will entertain the crowd for the evening. The music sponsor is Lume Cannabis.

“Great food and good company will make this the perfect way to wrap up your evening downtown,” Mentel said.

New to GNO, the DDA has partnered with the Dickinson Area Child Advocacy Center to coordinate a blanket drive for kids in the community.

All donations stay in the local area to support the Advocacy Center’s mission to provide a safe, neutral, and child-friendly environment for children and their families during child abuse and neglect investigations.

“It’s a wonderful cause — we ask attendees to only donate new blankets,” she said.

Mentel explained that the DDA has wanted to add a community giving aspect to some of its events. “For the Christmas Walk, we have partnered with the Dickinson County Library to do a winter clothing drive,” she added.

Mentel thanked sponsors for helping to make the downtown tradition possible.

Girls Night Out was designed to celebrate a vibrant downtown economy and promote the unique shops and restaurants that make it special.

“It’s also a great time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping and get great deals at the same time,” Mentel said. “It’s going to be a really fun night.”

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.