DOWAGIAC — Pet lovers know that, on a cold winter’s day, there is nothing better than snuggling up with their furry friend.

Snuggling up is exactly what Bow Wow Bakery & Bath is offering during Dowagiac’s Ice Time Festival on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Now in its 22nd year, the winter arts festival of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce has been profiled as one of the many creative ways communities across the nation celebrate the bone-chilling months of winter.

During the festival, from 11 to 1 p.m., Cass County Animal Control will join Bow Wow Bakery and Bath owner Deb Rohdy on site, along with several animals for immediate adoption. Rohdy said while some rescue groups require a longer waiting period for adoptions, on festival day families can complete the adoption paperwork and take their new pet home that day.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to see what’s available and adopt a new furry family member on site,” Rohdy said.

In anticipation of the adoption day, anyone bringing in a donation of supplies to Bow Wow Bakery for Cass County Animal Control this week and leading up to festival day will have their name placed in an in-store drawing for two $25 gift cards. Rohdy said supplies most needed are kitty litter, bleach and dog and cat food.

Adoption day is one of several activities featured at the 22nd annual Ice Time Festival.  Highlighting the winter arts celebration will be the single-block ice carvings that will line Front Street and the timed ice carving competition, which will begin at noon.

Returning events also feature the Chili Crawl, Lil Chippers Outside Game Area, the Timber Sport Exhibition, Frozen Fish Toss Open Competition, the Hot Spot featuring a bonfire and S’mores, Carvers’ Cave with demos by Fruitbelt Woodcarvers and the Snowball Daddy Daughter Dance, hosted by the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac.

Select specialty shops will hold winter clearance sales, with in-store events being hosted at Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Dowagiac District Library and Who Knew? Consignment.

Major underwriters of the 2018 winter arts festival are: Clark Chapel/Starks Family Funeral Home, Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union, Dowagiac Family Dentistry, Dowsett Chiropractic Health Center, Lyons Industries and SEMCO.

For a full schedule of events, visit DowagiacChamber.com or the chamber on Facebook.