As planning begins for the holiday retail season, the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital for the ninth consecutive year has stepped forward as the major $2,000 underwriter of the community’s Christmas celebration.

The tri-fold yuletide celebration features family events Open House Weekend, Nov. 14-16, and continues Friday, Dec. 5, as the magnificent lighted procession of 100 holiday floats, costumed characters and marching bands usher in one of this community’s best-loved traditions. Wrapping up the celebration, will be the Small Business Saturday event, Nov. 29.

Event co-chairman Vickie Phillipson, Chamber of Commerce and DDA program director, said she is pleased to also welcome the following corporate sponsors, which together with Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, have funded the $5,000 community celebration. They are: Burling & Gillesby DDS, Chemical Bank, Clark Chapel, Family Fare, Front Street Crossing, Mahar Insurance, The Timbers of Cass County and Vylonis Contracting.

“Nov. 14 kicks off Open House Weekend, a week earlier than normal as a means to lengthen the selling season for local retailers,” Phillipson said.

Family events that Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., are built around the appearance of an Old-World Victorian Santa, who will greet families at Wood Fire Italian Trattoria; an interactive children’s workshop at Caruso’s Candy Kitchen featuring Mrs. Claus; and a live reindeer display by Country Reindeer Farm. There will also be Kringle Krafts at Who Knew? Consignment and a Sister to Sister craft workshop for adults at Rosy Tomorrow’s, led by in-house pottery artisan Michelle Stambaugh.

At Beckwith Park, the Kari Lynch Band of Grand Rapids will make its first appearance in Dowagiac, as it brings favorite Christmas melodies to the downtown. Entertainment also includes holiday performances by MKSOD and members of the Extreme Poms Team from Miss Michele & Co.

Contestants of the 2015 Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant will feature hot chocolate for sale at Beckwith Park, alongside pastry artist Jordan Anderson, owner of The Baker’s Rhapsody, who will have for sale some of his delightful holiday creations.

New this year, Phillipson said restaurateurs will present Sweet Tidings, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Similar to the popular chili crawl held during this community’s Ice Time Festival, restaurants will serve complimentary bite-size desserts as patrons vote for their favorite holiday sweet,” Phillipson said.

“New this year, day-visitors to the downtown will see some whimsical elves popping up in holiday storefront window displays along Front Street, courtesy of Miss Michele & Co. and participating retailers,” Phillipson said.

Families will also enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and can participate in a hands-on workshop at Dowagiac Area History Museum, where Mable Hartman will present a Christmas Card Design Workshop.

At Dowagiac Union High School, Theta Mu Sorority will hold its 18th annual holiday craft show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community organizations that would like to book sidewalk booth space for the Open House Saturday or sign up for the Dec. 5 Candle-light Parade should contact the Chamber of Commerce at (269) 782-8212 or by e-mail at vphillipson@Dowagiac.org.

For a full schedule of events, visit www.DowagiacChamber.com or like the Chamber on Facebook.