DOWAGIAC – Pet lovers know that on a cold winter’s day, there is nothing better than snuggling up with their furry friend. And snuggling up is exactly what Bow Wow Bakery and Bath is offering during Dowagiac’s Ice Time Festival on Saturday, Feb. 2.

Now in its 23rd year, the winter festival of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce has been profiled as one of the many creative ways communities across the nation celebrate the bone-chilling months of winter, according to organizers.

During the festival, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cass County Animal Control will join Bow Wow Bakery and Bath owner Deb Rohdy on site, along with several animals for immediate adoption.  Rohdy said while some rescue groups require a longer waiting period for adoptions, on festival day families can complete the adoption paperwork and take their new pet home that day.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to see what’s available and adopt a new furry family member on site,” Rohdy said.

In anticipation of the adoption day, anyone bringing in a donation of supplies to Bow Wow Bakery for Cass County Animal Control this week and leading up to festival day will have their name placed in an in-store drawing for a gift card. Rohdy said supplies most needed are kitty litter, bleach and laundry soap.

Adoption day is one of several activities featured at the 23rd annual Ice Time Festival.  Highlighting the winter arts celebration will be the single-block ice carvings that will line Front Street.

Returning events also feature the Chili Crawl, Lil Chippers Outside Game Area, the popular Timber Sport Exhibition, Frozen Fish Toss Open Competition, the Hot Spot featuring a bonfire and s’mores, and the Snowball Daddy Daughter Dance, hosted by the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac.

Select specialty shops will host winter clearance sales, with in-store events at Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Dowagiac District Library, Front Street Crossing and Who Knew? Consignment.

Major underwriters of the 2019 winter festival are: Clark Chapel/Starks Family Funeral Home, Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union, Dowsett Chiropractic Health Center, Lyons Industries and SEMCO.

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