Spectators of Dowagiac’s Candle-light Christmas Parade who have wondered what it would be like to appear in this spectacular holiday event now have an opportunity to find out.

Registration for Candle-light Christmas Parade of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, which in recent years has become one of southwestern Michigan’s largest holiday events, is now open. The parade is slated to take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2.

Presented by Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital and the Chamber of Commerce, the parade is part of this community’s holiday celebration that also includes Christmas Open House Weekend Nov. 11-13 and Small Business Saturday. Co-chairing the parade are chamber President Kim MacGregor of Edward Jones and Vickie Phillipson, program director of the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority.

Parade registration forms are available by calling the Chamber of Commerce at (269) 782-8212, by emailing vphillipson@Dowagiac.org and will be available on the Chamber’s website at DowagiacChamber.com and its Facebook page.

There is no charge to enter a float or marching unit in the parade. Participation is open to everyone, from church groups to school classes or even groups of neighbors, who would like to join the festivities.

Community groups that may not have the resources to construct a float are encouraged to simply gather together and walk the parade route, caroling by candlelight. The fellowship of gathering together with friends and family to celebrate the season is what the Christmas parade is all about.

In addition to co-host Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, corporate sponsors of the celebration also include Advanced Dermatology, the Business Center of Southwestern Michigan, Casual Tees Inc., Chemical Bank, Cass County COA / Front Street Crossing, Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Edward Jones’ Office of Kim MacGregor, John A. Vylonis Custom Building, Mahar Insurance, The Timbers of Cass County and Wightman & Associates.