It’s nearing the middle of October, which means falling leavings, dates to go apple picking, evenings sitting on the porch carving pumpkins and the return of Dowagiac’s annual Under the Harvest Moon Festival.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, downtown Dowagiac will transform like the autumn leaves for the Under the Harvest Moon Festival. The event will feature vintage farm tractors, an open market selling baked goods, home goods and produce, a pumpkin carving contest, blacksmithing demonstrations, a petting farm and goat yoga, a horse-drawn wagon and much more.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it, nobody does festivals like Dowagiac. In the time that I have been covering the Dowagiac region as a reporter, I’ve attended several festivals in the small city. I’ve shivered at Ice Time. I’ve wiped sweat off my brow at Summer in the City, and I’ve listened to beautiful music at the Dogwood Fine Arts Festival. Every single festival I’ve attended has exceeded my expectations, and the Under the Harvest Moon Festival is no exception.

I, for one, can’t wait to drive into Dowagiac Saturday, pick up an autumn-themed latte from Baker’s Rhapsody and stroll about the festival. Just like there is something magical about fall, there is something magical about the Under the Harvest Moon. It’s almost hard to put into words, other than its just a blast to take part in so many fun activities under the backdrop of crisp fall temperatures and changing trees. I loved getting to visit adorable rabbits at the petting zoo, watching a parade of dogs march down Front Street in elaborate Halloween costumes and tasting delicious treats at Caruso’s. Under the Harvest Moon is a one-of-a-kind experience, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Saturday, there will be more than just the Under the Harvest Moon Festival to get excited about in Dowagiac. At noon, the Dowagiac District Library, 211 Commercial St., will break ground on its expansion. And from 2 to 5, the One World Center, 56968 Dailey Road, will be hosting an open house to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The Harp Twins will also perform at 7:30 p.m. at Southwestern Michigan College.

There is certainly plenty going on in Dowagiac Saturday to enjoy and justify getting out of the house. If you live in Dowagiac, you already know how great its festivals are, and you don’t need me to tell you to go to Under the Harvest Moon. If you have never had the pleasure of attending one of Dowagiac’s festivals, make some time Saturday to check out Under the Harvest Moon. You have my personal guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.