Dowagiac District Library is likely to make a big splash at next week’s “Summer in the City” Festival in downtown Dowagiac, as it hosts its popular and interactive workshop for boys and girls at the Children’s Entertainment Tent.

Presented by Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, “Summer in the City” returns to the central business district July 29-31, 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 was underwritten this year 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.

What was introduced several years ago as the interactive “All Dolled Up” children’s workshop for little girls has since grown into a co-ed session for both boys and girls.

Held beneath the Children’s Entertainment Tent on Thursday, July 29, youngsters are invited to enjoy an hour of storytime, crafts and refreshments and also to meet members of the Miss Dowagiac court.

Vickie Phillipson, Chamber of Commerce and DDA program director, who coordinated this year’s summertime bash, said Thursday she is pleased to welcome the DDL and the presentation of this fifth annual event, which is co-hosted by the Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant, the Chamber of Commerce and the district library.

She said the Children’s Entertainment Tent will be located on Commercial Street, between Underwood Shoes and The Red Raven.

The children’s book, Rainbow Fish, will be featured during the “Summer in the City” children’s workshop.

Katherine Johnson, library director, said the book by Marcus Pfister coincides with the “Make a Splash” theme of summer reading programs at libraries across Michigan.

Families attending Thursday’s interactive workshop at the Children’s Entertainment Tent, from 2 to 3 p.m., will also enjoy refreshments and will have the opportunity to meet Miss Dowagiac 2010 Katie Haneberg.

Library personnel will be handing out helium balloons with the “Make a Splash” logo.

Children will also be able to enter a drawing for a theme-related gift that will be presented to a boy and girl by Miss Dowagiac and the Chamber of Commerce.

Also appearing at the Children’s Entertainment Tent on Thursday will be Indiana’s mobile Bear Bus for stuff-your-own Teddy Bears, which will be open from 11 to 2 p.m. and from 3 to 5 p.m.

On Friday the Children’s Tent 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 Kids Museum from St. Joseph will present hands-on activities for children at the tent on Saturday, July 31, from 11:30 to 4:30 p.m.

In conjunction with summer sidewalk sales, the Ladies Library Association Book Sale opens Thursday at 9 a.m. and continues through Saturday.

The library will also be hosting sidewalk chalk aArt on Thursday from 11 to 11:30 a.m. outside the library.

On Friday, the John Dudley Magic Show will be presented at the library from 11 to noon.