DOWAGIAC — When organizers for Summer in the City reach for the stars and corporate and business underwriters follow suit, the results can be amazing for a community the size of Dowagiac, said some Summer in the City organizers.

“Fundraising has gone extremely well for this year’s festival,” said Vickie Phillipson, program director for the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, who oversees fundraising and scheduling for Dowagiac’s oldest and largest summertime celebration.

“Early on, when we met our goal of $8,700, which sufficiently funds entertainment and a new children’s carnival, we reached for the stars with the thought of bringing a Zip Line to Front Street, which is something this community has never experienced,” Phillipson said.  “Once the decision was made, in less than 24 hours, the additional $2,000 was raised.” 

New this year, Summer in the City kicks off at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 19, with a Children’s Carnival, staged at Division and Railroad streets on the lawn of the former “Big Gray” industrial site.  Former American Idol contender Jared Knox & the Hagar Bombs return to the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, performing on the grounds of the James E. Snow Professional Building at Front and Main.