Circus-style performers, specializing in fire eating, juggling and acrobatics join this year’s entertainment line-up for Dowagiac Summer in the City.

The three-day summertime bash, which also features Sizzlin’ Hot Sidewalk Days, will be staged in the central business district Thursday through Saturday, July 26-28.

Presented by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, Summer in the City features 78 hours of vocal and instrumental entertainment and dance, an array of family events and the acclaimed Steve’s Run of Southwestern Michigan College.  From boot scootin’ Cowboy Rock to R&B and funky Blues, this festival has it all.

Vickie Phillipson, program director for the Chamber of Commerce and DDA, said she is pleased to feature three performers from the Detroit Circus, which is known for its circus-style sideshows of high-flying aerial antics, fire dancing and eating, stilt walking and stilt acrobatics, contortion, juggling, feats of mind-bending strength and acrobalance.

Appearing daily from 11 to 4 p.m. at Front and Commercial streets, the three street performers will present feats of fire eating, fire juggling and spinning, along with acrobatic juggling, traditional juggling and club spinning, and crystal ball juggling.

“These walk-about performers, who will mix and mingle with festival-goers, are sure to captivate the interest of all ages with their stunning acts,” Phillipson said.

This is the first time for the Detroit Circus performers to appear in Dowagiac.

Now in its 27th year, the three-day summer gala was underwritten by fine art grants from St. Denys Foundation and The Pokagon Fund, totaling $15,000; and donations received from Baymont Inn & Suites, Dr. Charles Burling and Dr. Jon Gillesby, Creative Vinyl Signs, Family Fare, Leader Publications, Lyons Industries, Dr. Alan Montgomery, Southwestern Michigan College and from the Passaro, Kahne & Taylor Law Office of Benton Harbor.