This October families can celebrate Michigan’s glorious autumn and enjoy a glimpse of true Americana, as Under the Harvest Moon returns to downtown Dowagiac on Saturday, Oct. 8.

Corporate sponsors of the festival are: Creative Vinyl Signs, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Kim MacGregor’s office of Edward Jones, Forest Glen Assisted Living, Hale’s Hardware, J&H Oil Company, Leader Publications, Mennel Milling Co. of Michigan, Preferred Printing, Skibbe Business & Tax Service, Smoke Vision Care, Southwestern Michigan College, Town & Country Garden Club and Williams A-1 Expert Tree Service.

According to Vickie Phillipson, program director of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and event chairman, at the heart of the festival will be a display of new and vintage farm tractors, an open air marketplace of antiques, fall produce, Michigan handmade products and sweet delicacies, as well as street entertainment and family activities.

In anticipation of the event, the central business district will be decked out in autumn colors as the Dowagiac Farm & Artisan Market funds the purchase of mums that will be planted in streetscape containers by members of the Town & Country Garden Club.

An assembly of scarecrows is also expected to take their place in the central business district, as the public and business owners are encouraged to enter the Scarecrow Contest.  To enter the contest, register for a booth in the open-air marketplace or obtain a full schedule of events, call the Chamber of Commerce at (269) 782-8212 or visit DowagiacChamber.com.

Phillipson said festival goers will enjoy Cass County’s best pulled-pork sandwiches, chicken and brats, grilled over an open flame by Smokin’ Good BBQ of Cassopolis and Hubbert’s sweet kettle corn. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy Caruso Candy Kitchen’s apple and cider bar, and cinnamon ice cream topped with warm apples.

The Taste of Michigan Wine & Craft Brew will be hosted by The Wounded Minnow Saloon on its outdoor patio. The restaurant will also feature acorn squash and four other seasonal soups and is sponsoring the corn hole tournament.

Entertainment features wood carving demos, music by the Van Dyke Revue and Rene Meave, performances by MKSOD and Positively Dance, plus interactive fitness demos by Cass County Council on Aging.

There will be a tag and bake sale at American Legion Post 563 and on Penn Avenue Smoke Vision Care will host its Fall Trunk Show.

“New this year, Cass County 4-H Youth Development Program is sponsoring Ag Olympics,” Phillipson said.  “Families will also enjoy pumpkin decorating hosted by MKSOD, and several take-home craft events sponsored by Dowagiac Area History Museum, Dowagiac District Library, Rosy Tomorrows and Who Knew? Consignment.”

Children will enjoy music, photos and games with Miss Dowagiac Anne Zebell, a pumpkin pie eating contest and Parade of Halloween Hounds, hosted by Bow Wow Bakery & Bath.  There are also horse-drawn wagon rides, inflatables hosted by Judd Lumber Co. & Rental, and the Smoke House, sponsored by the Dowagiac Fire Department.

For a full schedule of events visit DowagiacChamber.com or call (269) 782-8212.