Bay City's revitalized downtown was recently shown off to downtown development officials from across the state at the Michigan Downtown Conference in mid-September, and a women-targeted event coming up in October demonstrates how the downtown is doing so well.
The "
Downtown Divas" weekend this fall runs from Thursday to Sunday, Oct. 7 to 10, and includes events each day, along with participation from more than 20 downtown Bay City businesses.
Candace Bales is the executive director of the Bay City Downtown Management Board, which organizes the weekend. This year is the fourth year for the twice-yearly event, which takes place in both spring and fall.
"It's really gained momentum, to the point that last spring's event tickets sold out completely beforehand," Bales says. "It's become something that people really plan ahead to come and do with their girlfriends."
Downtown businesses have planned an array of signature "diva" events and specials. Friday, Oct. 8 will see a "Cocktails in the City" evening gathering with a fashion show of accessories, live music, and food samplings from downtown restaurants at the Pere Marquette Depot on Adams Street.
On Saturday, Oct. 9, the day of diva-ness kicks off with a "Fashion and French Toast" fashion show and breakfast at the Atrium on N. Water Street, and continues with a sailing river tour of fall colors. The Bijou Orchestra wraps up the night with its "10,000 Dreams" concert.
"It has done even more than we expected for our downtown," Bales says. "No. 1, it spotlights our businesses. It also encourages people to explore what we've got down here, and gets people into the stores."
Tickets for Downtown Diva events can be purchased at the Atrium, Curves, Little House, My Secret Garden, The Cat's Meow, Uptown Girl, and from the Downtown Management Board.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Candace Bales, Downtown Management Board
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