To the editor:

On behalf of the Dewey Lake Property Owners Association (DLPOA), I would like to thank all our previous business donors who gave so generously to our Fourth of July parade prize donations.

Over the past eight years, the DLPOA boat parade has been supported by our local Dowagiac merchants and marinas. The parade has been a favorite event on Dewey Lake, averaging 30 to 45 decorated boats a year.

Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to give every participant a donated prize. The DLPOA recognizes that our local businesses are pressed enough for donations, and in a poor economy, we felt that they could use a needed break from our prize list this year.

Thank you very much for all your support over the years. The prizes, which we will supply this year, will be first, second and third place for the best-decorated boats. The parade will be at 3 p.m. July 7 on Dewey Lake. Rain date is Sunday at 1 p.m. Our lake association is grateful for your continued support, and wishes a successful year to all. Your business name will continue to appear on our website as a contributor to our Dewey Lake Fourth of July parade for 2012.

Jean Lintner, Dewey Lake Boat Parade Chairman