DOWAGIAC — For those who believe in every little girl, there’s a princess, children will have the opportunity to create their very own fairytale as Summer in the City returns to downtown Dowagiac this July.

First inspired by the children’s book, “Fancy Nancy,” the Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant will again host its Princess Party and Parade at noon on Friday, July 20, on Beeson Street.

Celebrating its 33rd year, Summer in the City is one of several seasonal events, hosted by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce.

Vickie Phillipson, Chamber of Commerce program director, said little girls are invited to dress as a princess and bring their favorite doll to the Princess Party & Parade.  Participants of the princess-themed activity receive pink and lavender tiaras, and enjoy story time, treats and photos with Miss Dowagiac Jadelyn Zimmerman and her Court of Honor.

Summer in the City has been underwritten this year by Chemical Bank, Clark Chapel/Starks Family Funeral Homes, Creative Vinyl Signs, Deck the Halls, Dowagiac Family Dentistry, Dowsett Chiropractic Health Center, Kim MacGregor’s Office of Edward Jones, Family Fare, Four Winds Casino, Lyons Industries, Olympia Books, Saylor’s Front Street Pizzeria, Southwest Vision Center, Southwestern Michigan College, Wightman and Wolverine Mutual Insurance Co.

New this year, the summer gala kicks off at 2 p.m. Thursday with a Children’s Carnival on the former industrial site at Division and Railroad streets, followed at 7 p.m. as former American Idol contender Jared Knox & the Hagar Bombs take the stage at the James E. Snow Professional Building. 

Knox, who is said to be one of the finest up and coming musicians in southwest Michigan, has opened for such country greats as Lorrie Morgan, Chris Cagle and Tracy Lawrence.  The special two-minute performance, beginning at 7 p.m., is presented in conjunction with the Dowagiac Summer Concert Series, underwritten by Chemical Bank, Cass County Council on Aging and Honor Credit Union.

The festival swings into full gear Friday and Saturday, featuring the new Front Street zip line, climbing wall, sidewalk sales, entertainment and festival food, and wraps up Sunday with ACTION’s Community Praise Jam at 2 p.m.

Festival highlights also include Friday night’s concert from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. by Nashville singer-songwriter Kari Lynch and the Summer on Tap craft brew event, hosted by Sister Lakes Brewing Company.  The Taste of Dowagiac, featuring this community’s favorite restaurants, takes place Saturday.

For a full schedule of events or to reserve a sidewalk booth, call the Chamber at (269) 782-8212 or visit DowagiacChamber.com.