With the onset of the holiday season fast approaching, the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce recently announced Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, for the 12th consecutive year, has stepped forward as the major $2,000 underwriter of this community’s Christmas celebration.

The four-fold yuletide celebration features family events that begin with the Open House Weekend Nov. 10 through 12, Small Business Saturday and continues Friday, Dec. 1, as a lighted procession of 100 holiday floats, costumed characters and marching bands usher in the Candle-light Christmas Parade. New this year, the chamber has teamed up with the Dowagiac Elks to present Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the club’s lodge.

Event Chairman Vickie Phillipson, chamber of commerce and downtown development authority program director, said she is pleased to also welcome the following corporate sponsors, which together with Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, have funded the $5,600 community celebration: The Business Center of Southwestern Michigan, Casual Tees Inc., Chemical Bank, Clark Chapel/Starks Family Funeral Homes, 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 Marshall Shoppe, May Oberfell Lorber, The Timbers of Cass County and Vincent J. Jewelers.

The family events during Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, are built around the appearance of an Old-World Victorian Santa, who will greet families at Wood Fire Italian Trattoria; and a European-styled Mrs. Claus, who will greet families to downtown at Beckwith Park, where outdoor events will be headquartered.

At the Beckwith Park families can take photos with the Magic Minis, the three costumed miniature horses of Whitney Podell; enjoy the holiday classics of David Lloyd and Vicki Vanas; tour the city by horse-drawn wagon; and watch the holiday performance of Positively Dance.  Hot chocolate and baked goods will be available at the booth of MKSOD and Positively Dance.  Dowagiac Young Professionals will also be selling this year’s limited-edition Christmas ornament.

At Wood Fire Trattoria, children will receive a coloring book from the chamber of commerce and corporate underwriters, and can enter the drawing to appear with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Candle-light Christmas Parade.  Winners will also receive a giant gift basket of toys.

In-store activities feature Kringle Krafts for children at Who Knew? Consignment, holiday pet photos at Bow Wow Bakery & Bath and a Christmas Card Design Workshop at Dowagiac Area History Museum.

On from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, the Christmas Open Houses of specialty shops continue throughout the community, where shoppers can register for $600 in Universal Dowagiac Gift Cards.

To receive a schedule of holiday events or registration form to appear in the Candle-light Christmas Parade visit DowagiacChamber.com or its Facebook page.