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Jun 1, 2023

Courtesy Photo Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF will offer a build-your-own-bouquet bar from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Glik's. Above, DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry selects flowers for a bouquet.

ALPENA — This coming weekend, Downtown Alpena will be decked out with fresh flowers and vibrant floral installations as part of the first-ever Alpena Flower Festival taking place on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3.

The event, organized by the Alpena Downtown Development Authority, will feature over 30 floral installations and creative displays sponsored by local businesses and created by four local florists. The installations will range from colorful wreaths and swags on businesses’ doors to larger-than-life photo ops throughout downtown from presenting sponsors Alpena CVB, The Center Building, Wenzel Bennett & Harris, PC, Thunder Bay Arts, and Midwestern Broadcasting Company.

In addition to the floral installations, there will be live music throughout the festival, workshops at Art in the Loft, an open mic night with the Poetics Lab, a story time and floral crown craft at the library with artist Elisa Chavarri, and other floral-themed activities throughout downtown. Participants can also take their own fresh blooms home by visiting one of two flower trucks from Lasting Expressions that will be set up during the festival or stopping by a build-your-own-bouquet bar by Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Glik's, 111 N. State Ave.

"This festival is the first of its kind in Michigan, and our four florists have some incredible floral installations they will be bringing to life. Downtown Alpena will be dripping with flowers," said DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry. "We hope the community comes out to see what's on display, attend the events, and kick off the summer season in Downtown Alpena. We are grateful to partner with so many organizations who are helping to make this new festival a success."

The festival begins when installations are completed at 4 p.m. on Friday and culminates in a special alleyway party between 2nd and 3rd Avenues from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday with cocktails, live jazz from the Dan White Quartet, and fresh blooms on display. Artist Mariah Brancheau will also be live painting a special 2023 Flower Festival piece and selling Flower Fest merchandise.

Courtesy Photo Falls Creek Produce & Flowers will be one of four florists participating in this weekend's first-ever Alpena Flower Festival in Downtown Alpena.

Participating florists include Flowerland Designs, Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF, Falls Creek Produce & Flowers, and Lasting Expressions. Installations are sponsored by local businesses and will be on display throughout Downtown Alpena.

For more information on the event and a map of installations, please contact the DDA Office at 989-356-6422 or visit downtownalpenami.com/flowerfest.

The schedule of events is listed here.

Friday, June 2

4 p.m.: Festival begins, installations complete!

Courtesy Photo Lasting Expressions created this beautiful purple floral piece, and will have other floral installations featured in this weekend's Alpena Flower Festival.

5 to 7 p.m.: Enjoy Alpena Street Performers playing live music in public spaces throughout the downtown at Culligan Plaza and Pocket Park by the fish mural. Artist Mariah Brancheau of Lovely Little Lettering Co. will be live-painting in Culligan Plaza a special Flower Fest piece and will have Flower Fest merchandise for sale!

5 to 7 p.m.: Stop by the Lasting Expressions Flower Trucks and build your own fresh bouquet at Cedar & Threads and the Center alley.

6 to 7:30 p.m.: Floral Inspired Paint Pouring with Rick Houchin at Art in the Loft, for ages teen and adult.

7 to 8:30 pm: Join the Poetics Lab for an Open-Mic Night at PIF Cider for a night of poetry, growth, budding expressions and spring-time jubilee! Sign up to read!

Saturday, June 3

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Stop by the Lasting Expressions Flower Trucks and build your own fresh bouquet at Cedar & Threads and the Center alley.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Grow your Glow at Bella Rose Wellness Center! See their new location at 104 N. 2nd Ave., help them launch their new Diamond Glow facial treatment, and learn more about their services.

10 to 11:30 a.m.: Take your kiddos to special story time and craft at Alpena Country George N. Fletcher Public Library. Local author and artist Elisa Chavarri will be reading two of her books, "A Crown for Corina" and "My Little Golden Book About Frida Kahlo." After the reading, participants will be able to craft their own floral crown!

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Build-your-own-bouquet bar at Glik's Alpena with Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Paint a wooden flower at Thunder Bay Arts and check out flower-themed artwork created by area students on display.

1 to 2 p.m.: Kanzashi Style Self Portraits with Alison Rae Campell at Art in the Loft, for ages 5 and up.

2 to 3 p.m.: Watercolor Cookie Decorating with Mariah Brancheau at Art in the Loft, for ages 5 and up.

3 to 4:30 p.m.: Funky Acrylic Flower Pots and Plant Tags with The Lovely Little Lettering Co at Art in the Loft, for teens and adults.

3 to 5 p.m.: Enjoy live music from the Alpena Street Performers in downtown businesses

¯ The Scholastic News @ Rusty Petunias

¯ Brian Natzel @ The Fresh Palate

¯ Laura Frawley @ Glik's

¯ Steve and Brenda @ PIF Cider

¯ Errin Pagen @ Bella Rose

6 to 8 p.m.: Wear your best florals and enjoy a cocktail, live jazz from the Dan White Quartet, and beautiful florals in the alleyway downtown. Artist Mariah Brancheau from Lovely Little Lettering Co will be live painting a special 2023 Flower Fest piece and will have Flower Fest merchandise for sale!

7 to 9 p.m.: Live music from the Birch Hill String Band at PIF Cider

Ongoing Activities

¯ Enjoy large, vibrant floral installations throughout downtown sponsored by local businesses and created by local florists. Get your picture taken in front of large floral photo ops sponsored by our presenting sponsors in Culligan Plaza, Thunder Bay Arts, the Center alley, the Center Building, and Cedar & Threads.

¯ Enjoy a Poetry Walk featuring poetry and artwork created by area youth on display in downtown businesses: PIF Cider, Parallel 45 Books & Gifts, Downtown Scoops, Olivet Book & Gift, Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library, Real Estate One, Bluebird Boutique, Sweet Baby James, Regalo Luxury Gifts, and Traveling Ladders.

¯ Learn about the history of Linke's Flowers, who served Alpena for a century with fresh flowers, at a special exhibit on display at the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library

¯ Enjoy floral-themed cocktails and food at downtown restaurants and bars.

¯ Post your photos to social media, tag the business and florist and use #alpenaflowerfestival for the chance to win one of three $100 Downtown Dollars certificates!

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