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. 14.

Vickie Phillipson, Chamber program director, who is in the midst of corporate fundraising and scheduling of that day’s activities, said brochures should be off the press within two weeks.

Corporate and in-kind donors thus far include Creative Vinyl Signs, Kim MacGregor’s office of Edward Jones, Forest Glen Assisted Living, Hale’s Hardware, Leader Publications, Mennel Milling Co. of Michigan, Preferred Printing, Skibbe Business & Tax Service, Smoke Vision Care, Southwestern Michigan College, Town & Country Garden Club and William’s A-1 Expert Tree Service.

At the heart of the event will be a display of new and vintage farm tractors, an open air marketplace of antiques, fall produce, handmade Michigan products and sweet delicacies, as well as street entertainment and family activities.

Phillipson said, in anticipation of the event the central business district will be decked out in autumn colors. Funded by the Downtown Development Authority’s Farm & Artisan Market, hardy mums will be planted in the streetscape containers by members of Town & Country Garden Club.

A delightful assembly of scarecrows is also expected to take their place downtown, as the public and business owners are encouraged to enter the Scarecrow Contest. Phillipson said. Leader Publications is offering $250 of complimentary advertising to the two top winners of the business division. The public division will receive a $25 Universal Dowagiac Gift Certificate.

To enter the contest, register for a commercial booth in the open-air marketplace or obtain a full schedule of events, call the chamber of commerce at (269) 782-8212. An entry form for the contest may be found at the chamber of commerce’s office, 200 Depot Dr., Dowagiac.