Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – This weekend Downtown Springfield will be the scene for several family-friendly activities designed to get people back to visiting the downtown area.

My Heart’s Downtown celebrates local businesses with special promotions, public art, and a special Kidzeum Love Day, featuring fee admission on Saturday.

Downtown Springfield Inc.‘s Jay Shanlee says, “this event wasn’t meant to be a one-0ff”. He says it’s an ongoing even and Downtown Springfield Inc. is already working on what they will do for March.

Shanlee adds My Heart’s Downtown is a grass-roots effort meant to shed some “positivity” on Downtown Springfield and promote community, connection, and creativity. Kidzeum’s Elisa Fox says the entire community is invited downtown for the Kidzeum Love Day, which is expected to draw an estimated 500 to 1000 families downtown and into local businesses.

Some of the other events include a 7-foot heart sculpture that will be unveiled in the Old State Capitol Plaza. The date for that is not set just yet. Special promotions, extended hours, and experiences for the family hosted by participating business are also part of the fun.

You can also donate or find out other ways to help at myheartsdowntown.org.