Just getting off the clock and feeling that shopping itch? Then Downtown Sault Ste. Marie has you covered with a new summer-long initiative to showcase Ashmun Street’s diverse shopping experience.

Ashmun Alive! is an exciting boost to one of the downtown area’s vital corridors, and will see select shops open until 9 p.m. for eight Thursdays this summer and started July 10. It aims to showcase some of the area’s new businesses, improved storefronts, pocket parks, beautiful gardens and anything else people may have been overlooking.

“Ashmun Alive! is a brand-new event, designed to bring people back down to Ashmun Street,” said Danna Sanderson, owner of the Foundary, a recently opened downtown store. “We want to encourage people to re-visit Ashmun and see what’s new. And we hope Ashmun Alive! will make that happen.”

Retailers along Ashmun met a few weeks ago with the idea of providing evening excitement to the downtown street. Shoppers can expect anything from live entertainment to ice cream specials to local celebrities wearing costumes.

Face painters, DJs and more set up near Phat Boutique on 559 Ashmun St. The entertainment is a part of the new Ashmun Alive! initiative that aims to inspire shoppers to “slash Ashmun” on foot and enjoy entertainment and check out the shopping scene.

“It went really well for the first time. We had vendors come down and set up tables, dancers came and danced and there were face painters for the kids,” said Phat Boutique owner Tara Kelgar. “People were all about it. There just people milling out downtown. We’re hoping it grows in the coming weeks.”

Individuals, non-profits, groups and more that are interested in having a table setup downtown can call Kelgar at (906) 203-8494 or stop by Phat Boutique on 559 Ashmun St. for more information.

“We’re trying to get the word out,” added Kelgar, noting people are welcome to come set up tables on Ashmun to sell crafts or promote businesses. “It’s free for vendors to come out and set up.”

Businesses will be planning their own activities as well. Many will have extended hours to 9 p.m, and be providing entertainment for shoppers of all ages.

The Foundary, on 404 Ashmun St., will offer popcorn, music, and mascots for photoshoots with kids and families.

Other businesses open in the area include Barish’s, K3 Clothing, Cup of the Day, and more. Harmony Health Foods will be offering a wine tasting at 217 Ashmun and Crooked Music may provide live music. More stores and activities will be added as the weeks progress.

The final Ashmun Alive! is slated for Thursday, Aug. 28. For more information and other details, contact the Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Development Authority at (906) 635-6973 or email info@downtownsault.org.