Debbie Pletcher and her sister, Tracie Kertai, originated Indiana’s first and only Bear Bus.

One of the newest party experiences for children, Indiana’s Bear Bus, visits Dowagiac’s “Summer in the City” Festival opening day, as this year’s summertime bash celebrates its 25th season.

Debbie Pletcher and her sister, Tracie Kertai, originated Indiana’s first and only Bear Bus, delivering a unique and exciting experience directly to the site of children’s parties across Michiana.

Parents who have booked this unusual party on wheels are typically credited by their children as having given them “the best ever” party experience.

As children, Pletcher and Kertai always loved their stuffed animals.

Each remembers begging their parents for their first furry little friend.

“Now that we’re married and have children of our own, the love and enjoyment of that best friend, who you can tell anything to, has continued with our children,” Pletcher said.

In recent years, when the two women dreamed of doing something they would enjoy and that would also bring joy and excitement to others, and after reading an article about Lisa Ellis, creator of the Bear Bus franchise, they realized they wanted to bring this new concept to Michiana.

“In addition to being moms, we have been leaders, coaches and role models for our children, as well as many friends and family members,” Pletcher said, adding that they have a combined experience of 23 years of planning what she calls that “beary purrfect” children’s party.

At Summer in the City, Phillipson said the Bear Bus will park adjacent to the Children’s Entertainment Tent, where families can board the bus to select their purchase of a Teddy Bear or another animal to assemble.

Children can then settle in at the picnic tables, beneath the entertainment tent, to stuff their cuddly new friend.

Families who visit the Bear Bus at Dowagiac’s “Summer in the City” Festival will find it is self-contained with the bear essentials, such as bear skins, stuffing, bear wear and bear accessories.

During their stop at the Children’s Entertainment Tent Thursday, July 29, Phillipson said Pletcher and her sister agreed to offer their two sizes of stuffed animals at a reduced price of $5 and $10.

In addition to Teddy Bears, the bus will also have dogs, cats, horses and other animals that can be assembled.

Presented by Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, “Summer in the City” opens Thursday, July 29, in the central business district as it presents 47 hours of vocal and instrumental entertainment and dance, the third annual Taste of Dowagiac, Sizzlin’ Hot Sidewalk Days, an array of family events, plus the acclaimed Steve’s Run of Southwestern Michigan College.

The three-day festival is underwritten by seven corporate sponsors and a $10,000 fine arts grant awarded to the Dowagiac Downtown Development Authority from St. Denys Foundation of Dowagiac.

Corporate sponsors include the Army National Guard, Creative Vinyl Signs, Dr. Charles Burling and Dr. Jon Gillesby, Leader Publications, Dr. Alan Montgomery, Lyons Industries and Southwestern Michigan College.

“With Indiana’s mobile stuff-your-own Teddy Bear company being such a popular attraction at children’s birthday parties within the Michiana area, festival organizers invited the company to appear at the Children’s Entertainment Tent on the festival’s opening day, as a means to celebrate the event’s quarter-century mark,” said Vickie Phillipson, program director of the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority, who raised monies to underwrite the festival and handled much of its event scheduling.

The Children’s Entertainment Tent, located on Commercial Street between Underwood Shoes and The Red Raven, opens on Thursday, July 29, at 11 a.m.

The Bear Bus will greet children on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 3 to 5 p.m. that afternoon.

Also appearing at the Children’s Entertainment Tent on Thursday will be Miss Dowagiac Katie Haneberg.

Children can meet Miss Dowagiac from 2 to 3 p.m., during “Make a Splash” storytime and crafts, hosted by Dowagiac District Library and the Chamber of Commerce.

The Children’s Entertainment Tent on Friday, July 30, features “Aviation Takes Flight,” an interactive children’s workshop hosted by the Museum at Southwestern Michigan College from noon to 2 p.m. and from 3 to 5 p.m.

From 2 to 3 p.m. on Friday Ronald McDonald will present a magic show.

Curious Kid’s Museum from St. Joseph will present hands-on activities for children at the tent on Saturday, July 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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