Action sports entertainment company, AGA Nation, will be returning to downtown Dowagiac for this community’s 29th annual Summer in the City Festival as BMX riders bring their thrilling stunts to Commercial Street.

Hosted by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, Summer in the City is this community’s largest and longest-running event.  The four-day festival opens Thursday evening, July 24, as Kalamazoo Avenue presents a Rock, Rhythm & Blues Revue at the Beckwith Park at 7:30 p.m., featuring music by Chicago, The Beatles & the Blues Brothers.  The summertime bash swings into full gear Friday and Saturday with merchant sidewalk sales, family events and live entertainment.  New this year, a community-wide church service will be hosted by ACTION on Sunday.

According to Vickie Phillipson, Chamber of Commerce program director, high-flying riders will be featured during three daily shows on Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.  The action event will be staged on Commercial Street.

“This will be our second appearance in Dowagiac,” said Ron Thomas, AGA Nation partner.

“Action sports continue to gain in popularity,” Thomas said.  “From skaters to wake boarders, BMX riders to snowboarders and beyond…these athletes continue to push their skills to the next level.  We’re looking forward to putting on another great show for spectators of all ages.”

AGA Nation will host a special BMX clinic on both days for any rider who wishes to participate. The clinic is free courtesy of the festival and its underwriters.  Thomas recommended that local riders bring their own helmet and bike.

AGA Nation is an action sports entertainment firm showcasing athletes of all skill levels.  It also supports venues and organizations through events, new media and community programs. Other specialized productions include mobile shows featuring snowboard, skateboard and wakeboard events. In addition, AGA Nation travels to schools all over the United States showcasing Bring Your A Game to School assemblies.  Online initiatives include weekly social media promotions, as well as digital ‘webi-sodes’ on AGANATION.COM featuring your favorite athlete and event.

Now in its 29th year, the four-day summer gala was underwritten by AK Montgomery, Burling & Gillesby DDS, Chemical Bank, Clark Chapel, Creative Vinyl Signs, D. MottL Realty, Kim MacGregor’s Office of Edward Jones, Family Fare, Four Winds Casino, Lyons Industries, The Pokagon Fund, Southwestern  Michigan College, Wightman & Associates and Wolverine Mutual Insurance Co.

Families will also enjoy a small animal petting zoo and pony rides, dunk tank hosted by Dowagiac Department of Public Safety, Princess Party hosted by the Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant, children’s inflatables provided by Judd Lumber Building Supply & Rental Center, Rubber Ducky Races presented by Dowagiac Fine Arts Boosters, the Curious Kids Museum hosted by Dowagiac Public Library, a Ronald McDonald magic show and pedal cars presented by Crystal Springs Camp & Retreat.

For a full schedule of events, visit www.DowagiacChamber.com.