By LISA BOWERS

Journal City Editor

MARQUETTE — A lot goes into running a safe and prosperous downtown. Communication can play a large part. Several downtown Marquette business owners met at the Commons on Third Street on Thursday to discuss upcoming events and other Downtown Development Authority business.

Marquette DDA Business Outreach and Promotions Director Michael Bradford gave an update about the proposed expansion of the DDA to the Third Street corridor which spans from Ridge Street to Fair Avenue. The authority first introduced the proposal to the city commission on Jan. 31, 2022.

According to a presentation on the DDA website, its boundaries were expanded in 2011 to incorporate the 10-block section of Third Street, but the tax increment financing for the corridor was not included at that time. As Third Street businesses have grown, so has the need for maintenance on the corridor.

Bradford said the DDA is still in negotiations with city officials.

He also noted that there would be some changes to downtown Marquette events this year.

The end of October, of course, brings Halloween. Parents and kids are invited to Marquette’s Downtown Trick or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Participating downtown businesses will have a Downtown Halloween Trick or Treat” poster in their windows.

To ensure the safety of children on the holiday, the 100 and 200 blocks of West Washington Street will be closed to all vehicles.

Bradford said Marquette’s new downtown social district will be closed from 3:30 to 7 p.m. to ensure a child-friendly environment. Social district operations will resume at 7 p.m. after trick-or-treating concludes.

Residential trick-or-treating will fall on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 7 p.m.

For those who might want to get a jump on their holiday shopping, the city’s annual Ladies Night Out has expanded. Instead of being held at night from 4-8 p.m., celebrants will have all day to visit over 60 participating stores and explore specials.

The event, which is being called Ladies Day Out, will also allow shoppers to take advantage of Passports as well as the traditional drawings for gift baskets containing items donated from participating businesses.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Women’s Center, and donated Items such as paper products and nonperishable food items and items for personal care will also be collected for the Women’s Center Harbor House.

The DDA will also be implementing its Free After 3 program for holiday shoppers downtown. Under the program, parking in the downtown area will be free after 3 p.m. on weekdays. The program starts on Nov. 16.

And speaking of the Christmas season, the city’s holiday parade and tree lighting will take place on Dec. 8 starting at 6 p.m. Changes include a stage at the commons with festive live music.

Questions about downtown events can be directed to Marquette Downtown Development Authority Business Outreach and Promotions Director Michael Bradford at mike@downtownmarquette.org.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 5070. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.