When both friendly camels and high-flying BMX bikers share the pavement of downtown’s Front Street, it can only mean one thing.

That Dowagiac’s longest running festival, Summer in the City, is back in town.

While the festival officially got underway Thursday evening with a concert by former American Idol contender Jared Knox, the festivities with this year’s weekend long event kick into full gear Friday, when the sidewalk sales and activities open to the public.

The festival runs through Saturday, with sidewalk sales continuing throughout the day, and Sunday, with a special concert hosted by ACTION ministries.

Now in its 31st year, this year’s Summer in the City is again organized by members of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, who have lined up several returning favorites as well as some brand new activities for the action-packed weekend.

The biggest of these new attractions is the Summer on Tap event, which takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Beckwith Park gazebo.

Replacing the beer tent set up by organizers the last several years, Summer on Tap is a special craft beer tasting that will feature beverages from more than a dozen area breweries, including Sister Lakes Brewing Company and Decatur’s Final Gravity. Bud Distributing of Dowagiac will also be on site serving Bud and Bud Light.

First devised by Dowagiac’s Eileen Crouse, she and Chamber President Kim MacGregor and Trisha Hunt from Edward Jones have worked to bring the idea to life in time for the summer festival.

“We are hoping it will draw in some people who have not been to the festival before, to get some more feet on the street and add some purchasing power for our businesses,” MacGregor said.

Tickets for the event are limted and cost $30, which will include a commemorative glass with 12 3-ounce samples. People can purchase tickets from the Wood Fire Italian Trattoria in Dowagiac or online through Eventbrite.com.

“I would not hesitate, because we would not want you to miss out.” MacGregor said.

Returning favorites this year include the Taste of Dowagiac, where people can enjoy hors d’ouerve-sized specialties from seven local restaurants for $10 from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday; BMX exhibitions by riders with AGA Nation throughout the afternoon on Friday and Saturday; and the Princess Party and Parade at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, where children can get a chance to meet 2016 Miss Dowagiac Anne Zebell.

The second annual Amazing Race competition also returns Saturday, with around 13-15 teams competing to be the first to complete a series of challenges at businesses, parks and other places throughout the Dowagiac area.

Much of the focus of the event will be on the around 70 vendors and organizations who will set up booths on Front Street, offering special deals and information for visitors stopping by.

“Hopefully the exposure helps local businesses, and provides some fun for visitors along the way,” MacGregor said about the festival. “It is a good showcase for our downtown.”

For a full schedule of events or additional information, people can visit the chamber website at DowagiacChamber.com or visit its Facebook page.