Sister Lakes Brewing Company, which promotes “fostering a community, one pint at a time,” is the host of this year’s Summer on Tap craft brew event Friday, July 21, in downtown Dowagiac.

Summer on Tap is part of the 32nd annual Summer in the City Festival, hosted by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce.

The summertime gala kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 20, as American Idol contender Jared Knox & the Hagar Bombs take the stage at Beckwith Park.  Knox, who is said to be one of the finest up and coming musicians in southwest Michigan, has opened for such Country greats as Lorrie Morgan, Chris Cagle and Tracy Lawrence.

The special 90-minute performance, beginning at 7 p.m., is presented in conjunction with the Beckwith Park Summer Concert Series, underwritten by Huntington Bank, Chemical Bank and Honor Credit Union.

The festival swings into full gear Friday and Saturday, July 21 and 22, featuring sidewalk sales, entertainment and children’s events, and wraps up at 2 p.m. Sunday with ACTION’s Community Praise Jam.

“Sister Lakes Brewing Company is proud to be the hometown brewery to sponsor Dowagiac Summer on Tap,” said Jerry Morn, co-owner. “This is consistent with our mission to foster community, one pint at a time.”

“What better time for Friday’s Summer on Tap to be presented than in July, which has been designated as Michigan Craft Beer Month,” said Vickie Phillipson, chamber of commerce program director. “Michigan ranks sixth in the nation for its overall number of breweries. Its 220 craft brewers support state agriculture by purchasing hops, malted barley, wheat, beet sugar, cherries, apples and numerous other fruits, herbs and vegetables grown in Michigan.”

Kim MacGregor, Chamber president, said the craft brew event coincides with the free concert Friday evening presented by Michigan native and now Nashville singer-songwriter Kari Lynch, who takes the stage at Beckwith Park at 7 p.m.

“I am very excited to offer this additional free concert during Summer in the City,” MacGregor said.  “Kari is a wonderful artist.  She’s very interactive with her audience, which makes the concert extra fun.  Plus, Sister Lakes Brewery is taking care of beverages. It will be a great time.  I hope people come out to enjoy it!”

Summer on Tap gates open at 6:30 p.m. with the event and concert continuing until 10:30.  Lawn chair seating is advised.

Summer in the City offers an array of activities to enjoy, from roaming circus acts to children’s games, Vertical Edge Entertainment’s climbing wall and Dixie Twister, pedal cars, trackless train, dunk tank and rubber ducky race.  Festival highlights also include Saturday’s Amazing Race and the Taste of Dowagiac, featuring eight of this community’s favorite restaurants.

This year’s festival has been underwritten this year by AK Montgomery, Burling & Gillesby DDS, Chemical Bank, Clark Chapel/Starks Family Funeral Homes, Creative Vinyl Signs, D. MottL Realty Group, Dowsett Chiropractic Health Center, Kim MacGregor’s Office of Edward Jones, Family Fare, Four Winds Casino, Lyons Industries, Olympia Books, Southwestern Michigan College, Wightman & Associates, Who Knew? Consignment and Wolverine Mutual Insurance Co.

For a full schedule of events or to reserve a sidewalk booth, call the Chamber at 782-8212 or visit DowagiacChamber.com.