Vendors of handmade products, antiques and collectibles, along with fall produce and baked goods, are invited to appear at the open-air marketplace of Dowagiac’s Under the Harvest Moon Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Now in its third year, Dowagiac’s newest festival celebrates Michigan’s glorious autumn, as day visitors enjoy a glimpse of true Americana.

At the heart of the event will be a display of vintage farm tractors, an open-air marketplace of antiques, fall produce, Michigan handmade products and sweet delicacies, as well as street entertainment and family events.

Vickie Phillipson, program director for the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority (DDA), along with Kim MacGregor of Edward Jones and Jim Frazier, of Vincent J. Jewelers, are coordinating the one-day festival.

“Day visitors who attend Under the Harvest Moon will be greeted to the downtown by a fun and delightful assembly of scarecrows placed in storefront windows and outside the entrances to our specialty shops and restaurants,” Phillipson said.

Business owners, located in and outside the central business district, who would like to order supplies to decorate the outside of their businesses can still do so through the Chamber of Commerce.

The festival committee is taking orders for autumn mums and cornstalks.

To place an order, businesses should call the Chamber by Sept. 15.

New this year, residents can also enter the public division that will award a $50 Universal Dowagiac Gift Certificate to the winning scarecrow.

Entries of the public division will also be placed on display downtown for the festival.

The contest is open to businesses and the public free of charge.

Entry forms for the public division are available at the Chamber.

Owners of vintage farm tractors and commercial vendors who would like to participate in the festival can make arrangements to do so by calling the Chamber at (269) 782-8212.

Sidewalk booth rental for vendors selling merchandise is $20 for an approximate 10-foot booth.

Phillipson said owners of vintage farm equipment are invited to place their tractors on display free of charge, however, for planning purposes they are asked to register in advance with the Chamber.

Festival goers will enjoy Cass County’s best pulled-pork sandwiches, chicken and ribs, grilled over an open flame by Smokin’ Good BBQ.

New this year, organizers are planning the Taste of Michigan, Wine and Craft Brew, hosted by The Wounded Minnow Saloon.

In addition to the display of vintage farm tractors and the outdoor marketplace, festival events will include: a caramel apple and cider bar, horse-drawn wagon rides, corn hole tournament, children’s games, a display of miniature horses and donkeys and entertainment throughout the day.