Monthly Newsletter – July 2025

Welcome to Downtown Cadillac’s monthly newsletter,
where we bring you the latest updates, the biggest
events, and the most valuable resources for Downtown
Cadillac businesses. Your Downtown Development
Authority (DDA) is hard at work and we are thrilled
you’re joining us to revitalize Downtown Cadillac.

Power of the Flowers

The Downtown Development Authority partners with Hope
Network to water and fertilize the hanging flower baskets
Downtown. Hope Network is a Michigan-based non-profit
organization that, “Helps people maximize their health,
independence, and self-belief—because everyone deserves to
live in a world where they can thrive.” The program is
funded in part by donations from Cadillac Residents. This
year, residents donated over $7,000 for flowers.

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Their work is a great reminder
that keeping Downtown Cadillac
vibrant takes ongoing care, step
by step, stem by stem.

Downtown Cadillac is a place
where progress is rooted in hard
work and pride in place.
It’s not just about big changes,
but about showing up,
maintaining what matters, and
taking pride in every detail.

City of Cadillac Parks and Recreation staff
planted colorful flowers, replaced weathered
bench planks, cleared away stubborn weeds,
trimmed overgrown bushes, and laid down fresh
mulch to transform Downtown Cadillac’s pocket
park.

They make downtown areas
more attractive to
residents, businesses,
and visitors alike.
Flowers transform urban
landscapes into more
pleasing and inviting
environments.

Studies suggest that the
presence of flowers can
have a positive impact on
emotional well-being.

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Murals are more than just paint, they’re placemaking in action.
Public art can attract tourism and foot traffic for local
businesses, create a Downtown that is both engaging and
memorable, and enhance the quality of an area, potentially
increasing property values and attracting investors.
Whether you’re an art fanatic, you have an underutilized space
you’d like to revitalize, or you’re hoping to curb vandalism, the
DDA’s Arts and Beautification working committee would like your
help in identifying opportunities for public art.
Artist Gabby Hanson recently turned the back of the Cadillac Printing Company building into
a colorful work of art that proudly features the handprints of Cadillac residents woven into
the design. The project was possible thanks to support from the Michigan Arts and Culture
Council, Michigan ArtShare, Up North Arts, Cadillac Community Foundation and Cadillac Area

Visitors Bureau.

WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS COMMUNITY

WHERE SHOULD WE PAINT NEXT?

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For those that missed our Small Business
Round-Up on July 29, 2025 here’s a recap:
Bringing Customers Inside – The group reviewed a list of simple items
businesses can do to help appeal to potential customers. Ideas on the
list included cleaning windows, collaborating with local artists to
decorate storefronts, and offering outdoor seating. You can find the
complete list here. Businesses also shared about a recent collaboration
that was held during the Cadillac Festival of the Arts.
Events Committee Update – The events committee is busy planning for
the Mitchell Street Market Summer Block Party. It is not too late to
register. If you’re a DDA business you are invited to set up for free
within the closed portion of Mitchell Street. The Events committee will
be working to establish an annual calendar of Downtown Cadillac
events and each committee member is responsible for bringing three
ideas to the next meeting. If you’d like to join the events working
committee email Travis Owens or Committe Chair Malorie Bosscher.
Capitalize on Upcoming Events – Marci Hensley from Cadillac Area
Festivals and Events (CAFE) presented on the upcoming Mini Beer
Barrel Scavenger Hunt happening Downtown ahead of Cadillac’s Craft
Beer Festival and invited businesses to get involved with the Cadillac
KISS50 Reunion in October. Some businesses are offering KISS themed
items and hosting special events. Others are decorating storefronts
and displaying banners. The Cadillac Festival of Races is happening
Downtown on August 30.
Fall Collaboration Invitation – Kevin Dewey from Chico’s Taco House
invited Downtown businesses to the Inaugural Hay Days celebration in
Cadillac West on October 4 . Space has been set aside for businesses
that want to advertise or sell during the event.

The Mitchell Street Market Summer Block Party is gearing up for an
unforgettable time as we just confirmed the All-American Dance Party will be
performing LIVE from 12 to 2:30p.m. They’ll be bringing the high-energy hits

that’ll have you dancing in the street!