The first annual Alpena Flower Festival took place in Downtown Alpena, Michigan on Friday, June 2 & Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Five local floral companies- Flowerland Designs, Lasting Expressions, Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF, Netta’s Nursery, and Falls Creek Produce & Flowers– brought the vision of the festival to life, creating over 30 installations, floral displays, swags, and wreaths throughout the downtown. Each florist had a signature installation in addition to smaller pieces and photo-ops.

Over 30 sponsoring businesses made the $10,000 of floral work possible that was on display throughout the festival. Local florists were able to let their creativity shine in each display. Some favorites included a mannequin with a floral skirt, a bike decked out with flowers, a book display, and a chair for Flower Fest photos.

Lasting Expressions had two floral trucks set up for the festival, and Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF hosted a build-your-own bouquet bar in Culligan Plaza and at Glik’s, selling out within a few hours of their set-up time.

Live music was a key element of the festival, and many attendees roamed from venue to venue throughout the weekend with live music from the Alpena Street Performers and the Scholastic News. The Dan White Quartet performed an intimate set in the alleyway on Saturday night, followed by the Birch Road Band who packed the house at PIF Cider.

Attendees were also able to engage with visual and literary arts with events hosted by Art in the Loft, Thunder Bay Arts, and the Poetics Lab. The library also packed their facility with over 100 attendees who attended a story-time with artist Elisa Chavarri and made a floral crown craft. Artist Mariah Brancheau of Lovely Little Lettering Co. was set up to live paint on Friday and Saturday evenings with special merchandise for sale.

The ambiance downtown on Friday and Saturday was nothing short of joyful, as residents and visitors of all ages were filled with delight by the floral displays and all Downtown Alpena has to offer.

“As someone who lives downtown, it’s been amazing to see all the support from the community, not only the displays, but all of the foot traffic coming to see the displays, and for such a beautiful event to help celebrate the beginning of summer. I personally got to share this with a family friend who came from out of state and they loved it,” shared Jesika on our Facebook page.

“It was such a beautiful day Saturday during this event. Downtown was so alive! Everyone was enjoying the displays and smiling and laughing with one another. Loved it,” commented Alida.

After the festival’s success, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) the Flower Festival will become an annual event! Save the dates for Friday, June 7 & Saturday, June 8, 2024. Organizers are already working with florists and partners to grow the event even more next year.

Thank you to the florists, sponsors, partner organizations, and the community who made this first flower-filled festival a success! Stay up to date with upcoming downtown events by following Downtown Alpena on facebook, instagram (@downtownalpena) or TikTok.