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DOWAGIAC – Dowagiac’s upcoming Spring Open House will feature plenty of fun for aspiring princesses and young artists alike.

As part of Dowagiac Spring Open House Weekend, April 25 and 26, a two-part children’s event is featured on that Saturday, which is hosted, in part, by Miss Dowagiac Amelia Bakeman and her Court of Honor.  

Beginning at 12:30 p.m., children can make-and-take a colorful butterfly at the craft workshop held at Dowagiac’s new maker’s retreat center Isabella Grace, located within the building that once housed Round Oak Restaurant.  

At 1:30 p.m., the Miss Dowagiac Court of Honor will escort children across the street to Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, where a Princess Tea will be held.  In addition to the free butterfly craft kit, children will receive a princess tiara, cookie and beverage, and will enjoy story time and photos with Miss Dowagiac.  Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras.

The children’s events are open free of charge to the first 24, who register in advance for the two-part event by calling Cottage Gallery at (269) 591-9185. 

For children and also adults, Michigan’s official Finklepott fairy will be at Cottage Gallery Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For a nominal fee, they can have Finklepott’s fairy hair fused to one to 10 strands of hair.  To reserve an appointment call (919) 802-2800 or visit FinklepottsFairyHair.com 

Dowagiac’s third-annual Spring Open House Weekend was organized by Vickie Phillipson, owner of Cottage Gallery, and Claudia Zebell, owner of Rosy Tomorrows.  During its first year, the promotion focused on in-store sales. 

“As we grow the community event, we are pleased this year to roll out a spring runway of nine to 10 live storefront window mannequins, strolling musicians and the two-part children’s event on Saturday,” Phillipson said.  

“Spring Open House is being underwritten by our friends and associates at Family Fare, Honor Credit Union and The Myers-Henry & Hassle Team @Properties.  With their help, we are excited to feature activities on Saturday afternoon to engage the public.”

Downtown businesses hosting Spring Open House Weekend include: Bow Wow Bakery & Bath, Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Cottage Gallery, Deck the Halls, Flowers by Anna, Isabella Grace, The Marshall Shoppe, Oh My – Old Made New, Olympia Books, Rosy Tomorrows, Vincent J. Jewelers, Who Knew? Consignment and Yarn on Front. 

“This special weekend provides shop owners with the opportunity to showcase their new spring and summer merchandise,” Phillipson said.  “The weekend event opens on Friday, April 25, with in-store promotions as businesses also feature drawings, sweet treats or giveaways.  On Saturday, as activities gear up for the community, guest in-store vendors will also join us downtown.”