Artisans of up-cycled goods and crafts, along with sweet delicacies and fall produce, will be among more than 60 vendors featured at the open-air marketplace of Dowagiac’s autumn festival, Under the Harvest Moon.

This community’s newest celebration on Saturday, Oct. 8, brings together collectors of antique farm tractors, and a marketplace of Michigan-grown produce, autumn mums, handmade products and antiques, plus family events.

Hosted by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, the fall event, which is celebrating its sixth season, has been underwritten by 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.

Festival organizers say they are are pleased to welcome 63 commercial vendors and exhibitors, who will be setting up their wares on Front and Commercial streets for the celebration.

Vickie Phillipson, Chamber of Commerce program director and event chairman, said several of the vendors from this season’s Farm & Artisan Market will be relocating from their usual post outside the Dowagiac Area History Museum to Front Street for the festival.

Farm market patrons will find the following vendors at the festival: Jordan Anderson of The Bakers Rhapsody with his specialty cupcakes, scones and cookies; Crystal Sprague of Sprague Farms, featuring pumpkins, gourds, mums and fall produce; Julie & Nick Fox of Foxy Acres, featuring vegetables, fruit, jams and jelly, flowers and baked goods; Lisa Kline and Julie Thompson, dog treats; Angelica Vessi, fall produce, Amber Button, pre-packaged hot sauces and rubs; and Wright Farms, frozen meat.

Also appearing at the open-air market will be: artist Larry Collins; Mildred Collins of Creekside Greenhouse; Judy Dodge, hand-made baby items, hats and mittens;  Teresa Stavros, wool mittens; Kimberly DeNolf, art; Kandy Grady, art prints & cards; May Dobbs, Mary Kay; Diana Collins, recycled mittens; Josh Hoekstra, Michigan cement stones; and Christina Ponce, handmade hair bows, necklaces and bracelets.

Others include: Pam Everman, scarecrows and mesh wreaths; Marie Keller, upcycled goods; Suellen Gause, photography; Debra Poznanski, metal art; Stephanie Wickett, crafts; Heather Wilt, hats; Chrystal Pedler, goat milk soap; Sharie Bradke, painted canvas and wooden signs; Carrie Ford, hand-made candles, crystal jewelry and tie-dye shirts; Samantha Hanifan, recycled jewelry, toys and accessories; Margie Walsh, knit and crocheted products and Frank Farms, fruit and vegetables.

Commercial venders also include: Sherry Hyink, antiques; Chris Nowak, jewelry, coins, stones and rocks; Rebecca Garges, Indian corn and face painting; Coralee Graham, decorative boxes, Christmas ornaments and jewelry; Jamie Bonder, women’s and children’s clothing; Carolyn Schnieder, handmade purses; Diane Follmer, crafts; Shirl Bontrager, Tupperware; and North Wayne Church, baked goods.

Joining the festival will also be Judith Rewey, pottery and copper button rings; Christine Celani, custom-designed apparel; Linda Peters, jewelry; Jayne Fox, crocheted hats and doll clothes; and Arlie  Endsley, honey; Bessie Joyner, essential oils; and Margie Walsh, crafts; and Cub Scouts Pack 53.

Informational booths include those by the Cass County Democratic Party; Cassopolis Family Clinic Network; Cass County Council on Aging;
and ACTION.

Those with an appetite will want to visit these festival food vendors: Hubbert’s Kettle Corn, of Wayland, and Smokin’ Good BBQ of Cassopolis, serving pulled pork, ribs, bratz and hotdogs. On the outdoor patio at Wounded Minnow Saloon, patrons will have a choice of four seasonal soups, and will also be able to enjoy sampling wine and craft brew.

Under the Harvest Moon will also feature a display of antique tractors, live entertainment and family events. For a full schedule of activities visit DowagiacChamber.com, its Facebook page or call (269) 782-8212.