DOWAGIAC — Under the Harvest Moon has extended its deadline until Oct. 6 for vendors to sign up to participate in the open-air marketplace on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Hosted by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, the festival that is now in its eighth year celebrates Michigan’s glorious autumn, as day visitors enjoy a glimpse of Americana.

Vendors of handmade products, antiques and collectibles, along with fall produce and baked goods are invited to appear at the open-air marketplace, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtown on Front Street.

At the heart of the event will be a display of vintage farm tractors, an open-air marketplace of antiques, fall produce, Michigan handmade products and sweet delicacies, as well as street entertainment and family events.

Vickie Phillipson, program director for the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority, is coordinating the one-day festival.

Owners of vintage farm tractors and commercial vendors who would like to participate in the festival, can make arrangements to do so by calling the Chamber at (269) 782-8212 or by e-mail at vphillipson@Dowagiac.org.  They can also visit DowagiacChamber.com for registration information.  Sidewalk booth rental for vendors selling merchandise is $20 for a 12-foot space. 

Phillipson said owners of vintage farm equipment are invited to place their tractors on display free of charge, however, for planning purposes they are asked to register in advance with the Chamber.

In addition to the display of vintage farm tractors and the outdoor marketplace, festival events will include a caramel apple and cider bar, horse-drawn wagon rides, cornhole tournament, children’s games, farm animal displays and entertainment throughout the day.

Residents and businesses can also enter the Scarecrow Contest that will award a Universal Dowagiac Gift Certificate to the winning scarecrow in the public division and $200 of complimentary advertising in Leader Publications for the winner of the business division.  The contest is open to businesses and the public free of charge.

This year’s event has been underwritten by Creative Vinyl Signs, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Kim MacGregor’s office of Edward Jones, Forest Glen Assisted Living, Hale’s Hardware, J&H Oil Company, Leader Publications, Mennel Milling of Michigan, Preferred Printing, Skibbe Business & Tax Service, Smoke Vision Care, Southwestern Michigan College, Town & Country Garden Club and William’s A-1 Expert Tree Service.

For more information call the Chamber of Commerce at (269) 782-8212.