First National Bank & Trust has returned as the presenting sponsor of the Downtown Christmas Walk and Community Christmas Tree Lighting set for Friday in Iron Mountain. The annual event runs from 4-6 p.m., with the lighting of the tree set for 6 p.m. at the First National Bank downtown outdoor plaza. From left are Dickinson County Library Public Relations Crystal Jacklovitz; Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus Suzanne and Rich Larson; DDA Program Coordinator Tim McCauley; DDA Event Coordinator Katherine Mentel; Dickinson County Library Director Megan Rose; and First National Bank & Trust Chief Credit Officer Jean O’Dette. (Iron Mountain Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Santa Claus is coming to downtown Iron Mountain on Friday.

The 2024 Downtown Christmas Walk and Community Christmas Tree Lighting is set from 4 to 6 p.m., with the First National Bank & Trust returning as the presenting sponsor.

The annual event features a variety of activities designed to bring holiday cheer to the entire community.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with First National Bank & Trust for this wonderful holiday tradition,” Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority Event Coordinator Katherine Mentel said. “Their generous sponsorship allows us to create a joyful evening for families, as well as support local businesses.”

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be eagerly waiting to hear those Christmas wishes from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the main Dickinson County Library.

Kids will have an opportunity for photos during the meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“We are excited to provide an opportunity for kids to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus,” Dickinson County Library Director Megan Rose said. “The library will also have Christmas craft making for all ages and cookies provided by our Friends of the Library.”

No registration is required for visits with the Clauses, Mentel said.

Children can also start their letters to Santa that evening at the library.

“They will have crafts out for them to create artwork for Santa,” she adds. “They will be able to write some awesome letters.”

The DDA has “Letters to Santa” templates available on their website to download for those wishing to submit their lists electronically but still encourage kids to decorate handwritten letters themselves.

Children can drop off their letter to Santa at the Dickinson County Library or Iron Mountain City Hall starting the night of the walk through Dec. 24 to be specially delivered to the North Pole.

“We are also excited to bring back Santa’s mailboxes,” Mentel said.

New this year is the Kingsford High School Jazz Band performing from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the library.

“They will be playing all your favorite Christmas classics,” Mentel said.

Another highlight is the live nativity presented by Bishop Baraga Catholic School at the Systems Control downtown stage.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the festive Downtown Christmas Walk foot parade to First National Bank’s downtown outdoor plaza for the tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.

This year’s Community Christmas Tree is again donated by Swanson’s Big Red Barn Holiday Events in Niagara, Wis., and will be set up and decorated by Bacco Construction.

Community caroling will be led by members of the Dickinson County Community Chorus.

The DDA also posted the song sheet on the website that can be downloaded and printed before the event.

Mentel noted the Salvation Army will have kettles with bell ringers at the library.

In conjunction with the Christmas Walk, the DDA will again host a Window Decorating Contest.

Downtown businesses are encouraged to showcase their creativity by selecting a festive theme for their storefront. Windows should be fully decorated by Wednesday.

“Your window display will not only spread holiday cheer throughout the community, but you’ll also have the chance to win a DDA mini-grant,” Mentel said.

Businesses and organizations within the Downtown District are encouraged to register.

Voting will open to the public at 4 p.m. Friday and close at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25.

A photograph of each participating businesses window display will be uploaded to the website for viewing as well.

Each business will also have ballots and a QR code posted for shoppers to vote during the contest.

First place will be awarded a $400 mini-grant from the DDA, and second place will receive $200. The winners will be announced on Monday, Dec. 30.

The community event is sponsored by the First National Bank & Trust, the Iron Mountain DDA, Radio Results Network and Dickinson County Library.

“We are proud to continue our support for the Downtown Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony,” First National Bank & Trust President and CEO Russ Kassin said. “This event is a highlight of the holiday season in Iron Mountain, and we’re honored to be part of such a festive and meaningful annual tradition that brings people together to celebrate the Christmas spirit.”

“We’re so fortunate to have such a strong, supportive community to make this event possible,” Mentel added.

For more information on the Downtown Christmas Walk, including activities and schedules, or to register for the window contest, go online to downtownironmountain.com.