Category: History

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Fresh Waves 2026 Artist Applications Now Open

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The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is looking for artists who are interested in painting vibrant murals in Downtown Alpena, Michigan this summer as part of the Fresh Waves project. Interested artists have until Sunday, March 15, 2026 at midnight to submit their application to be considered to participate in the project this summer. Downtown property owners are also able to apply to have a mural painted on their building. Those applications are due Sunday February 15, 2026 at midnight. Continue reading Fresh Waves 2026 Artist Applications Now Open

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August Events in Downtown Alpena: Check them out before summer ends!

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Even though the end of summer is near, it doesn’t mean there isn’t still plenty of events and things to do in downtown Alpena! Below you’ll find just some of the events happening throughout the downtown this August! Continue reading August Events in Downtown Alpena: Check them out before summer ends!

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21st Annual Alpena Blues Festival this Saturday

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If you’re looking for something fun and free to do this weekend, you need to come downtown to check out the Alpena Blues Festival, in memory of Maggie Lamb Saturday June 21st! The event starts at 2pm and ends at 10pm and will be held in the bandshell at Bay View Park. Bring your group of friends and enjoy celebrating the history and culture of blues music. Continue reading 21st Annual Alpena Blues Festival this Saturday

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Downtown Alpena’s Christmas Past: A Photographic Journey

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Throughout the years you always know it’s the holiday season in Downtown Alpena when you see the lit garland wrapped around the lampposts, decorated storefronts, and the giant Christmas tree in Culligan Plaza. Before the tree was put in Culligan Plaza in the 80s the city decorated the pine tree in front of City Hall. Some of the earliest photos we have of the downtown Christmas tree date back to 1966! Continue reading Downtown Alpena’s Christmas Past: A Photographic Journey

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Five properties to receive facade transformations in Downtown Alpena

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Over the next year, five properties in Downtown Alpena will be getting façade transformations with grant support from the Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The projects will take place throughout the DDA district, including the recently expanded area, and will … Continue reading Five properties to receive facade transformations in Downtown Alpena

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Learn more about downtown’s historic churches with Library’s new self-guided tour

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On Friday, the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library officially launched a new historic walking tour that highlights the places of worship throughout the City of Alpena. The self-guided walking tour highlights fifteen of Alpena’s historic churches and places of worship, including the historic churches that are located in downtown. Continue reading Learn more about downtown’s historic churches with Library’s new self-guided tour