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DOWAGIAC — The sound of sizzling meats and the smell of smoky flavors will be wafting through downtown Dowagiac later this month.

Now in its 39th year, Dowagiac’s Summer Festival returns to downtown Dowagiac Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, featuring the third annual BBQ Competition. The festival is one of several seasonal events hosted by the Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce. 

More than 5,000 visitors will descend upon Downtown Dowagiac for two days of family, food and fun. Steve’s Run, hosted by Southwestern Michigan College, will start at 6 p.m. Friday. The run will once again start and finish in Downtown Dowagiac and proceeds benefit cancer research and student scholarships. Steve’s Run includes a 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run/Walk and a Family Fun Run.

There will be even more free activities for kids during the event this year, including an expanded pop-up splash pad and other water activities available at no charge. On Saturday, the Dowagiac District Library will host a Color Fight at its Event Pavilion at noon. Using washable colored powders, participants can spray them on each other. Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes for the event.

In lieu of paid rides, event organizers have opted to create additional free opportunities for kids this year.

“We want to have something for everyone,” said Marketing and Event Coordinator Matt Money.

On Saturday, the sounds of some new-to-Dowagiac bands will be ringing through Downtown from Beckwith Park throughout the event. The music schedule is as follows:

• Local favorites The Undertakers Blues Band will kick things off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
• Lansing’s JP and The Energy will deliver its hot mix of pop, rock, dance, and poptopunk from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Detroit’s Denise Davis and The Motor City Sensations will close things out strongly with Motown, R&B, funk and more from 4 to 6 p.m.

“We’re really excited about the music and to bring people downtown to enjoy our cute little downtown,” Money said.

Front Street and surrounding areas will be packed with a fantastic mix of local artisans, food vendors and small businesses with their wares on display. WHO kNEW? Consignment is hosting a “Look and Find” activity in-store. Children can seek out the store’s mascot and receive a free craft kit when they spot it. This activity runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Marshall Shoppe is having a 20 percent off sale, the Dowagiac District Library will host its annual book sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Cottage Gallery will host Michigan’s Finkepott Hair Fairy on Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Deck The Halls will be hosting a Summer Santa as they work to raise funds for the Decorate Dowagiac initiative to enhance Dowagiac’s holiday decorations. Imperial Furniture will have their tent sale all weekend long a short drive away at their location on M-51.

The third annual BBQ Competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society also takes place on Saturday. This event is part of the KCBS Backyard Series, where teams and judges travel in from across the country for the annual smokin’ showdown. In past years, it’s drawn some of the best BBQ masters in the country. While festival attendees will not be able to sample the backyard barbecuers’ fare, plenty of food trucks and restaurants will be offering delectable meats and treats. 

“This event attracts people from all over the country as well as locally,” Money said. “We have teams from Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, Florida as well as local teams. They’re coming from all over to make Dowagiac a destination.”

Money looks forward to meeting festival goers eager to try something new.“This event is about showcasing what Dowagiac is all about. Whether you’re here for the food, music or a day out with the family, you’ll leave knowing why Dowagiac is a place to be for the summer.”

The Chamber thanks Lyons Industries, Twisted Bee, Southwestern Michigan College, Sturgis Bank — Niles Branch, D.MottL Realty, Mennel Milling and Xfinity.

“The sponsors bring everything to life,” Money said. “These companies have all stepped in and have noticed how important it is to have a festival downtown. We appreciate their support because it could not happen without them.”

Those interested in registering for the BBQ competition, or to participate as a vendor, can visit https://www.dowagiacchamber.com/events/upcomingtoevents/summertofestivaltobbqtocompetition 

To get updates, RSVP for the Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1348611273006868 

39th annual Dowagiac Summer Festival and BBQ Competition schedule

Friday, July 18

All-day sidewalk sales and in-store promotions

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Library Book Sale

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Look & Find Children’s Activity at Who Knew Consignment

12 to 7 p.m. – Street Vendors & Food Trucks

12 to 7 p.m. – Children’s Activities, & Pop Up Splash Pad

6 p.m. – Steve’s Run Begins

Saturday July 19

All-day sidewalk sales and in-store promotions

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Library Book Sale

10 a.m. to 5 Look & Find Children’s Activity at Who Knew Consignment

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Street Vendors & Food Trucks

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Children’s Activities, Bounce House & Pop Up Splash Pad

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – BBQ Competition

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Beer Tent and Live Music at Beckwith Park

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Live Music to “The Undertakers Blues Band” performing at Beckwith Park

Noon. – Children’s “Color Fight” at the Library Pavilion

1.30 to 3.30 p.m. – Live Music to “JP & the Energy” performing at Beckwith Park

1 to 2 p.m. – Miss Michelle  Dance Team Performs at Commercial & Front Street

4 to 6 p.m. – Live Music to “Denise Davis and The Motor City Sensations” performing at Beckwith Park