DOWAGIAC — Those who have been among the hundreds of spectators of Dowagiac’s Candle-light Christmas Parade and wondered what it would be like to appear in this spectacular holiday event have an opportunity to do so.

The Candle-light Christmas Parade of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, which in recent years has become one of southwestern Michigan’s largest holiday events, is slated for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7.  Presented by Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital and the Chamber of Commerce, the parade is part of the community’s holiday celebration that also includes Christmas Open House Weekend, Nov. 8-11; Small Business Saturday and Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, Dec. 15, co-hosted by the Dowagiac Elks Lodge.

Chairing the parade is Max Sala.  Parade registration forms are available by calling the Chamber of Commerce at (269) 782-8212, by emailing vphillipson@Dowagiac.org and are be available on-line at DowagiacChamber.com. 

There is no charge to enter a float or marching unit in the parade.   Participation is open to everyone, from church groups to school classes or even groups of neighbors who would like to join the festivities. Community groups that may not have the resources to construct a float are encouraged to simply gather together and walk the parade route, caroling by candlelight.

The deadline for registration is Nov. 12.

Corporate sponsors of the celebration also include: the Business Center of Southwest Michigan, Chemical Bank, Clark Chapel/Starks Family Funeral Homes, Cass County Council on Aging / Front Street Crossing, Deck the Halls, Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Edward Jones Office of Kim MacGregor, Imperial Furniture, John A. Vylonis Custom Building, Mahar Insurance, May Oberfell Lorber, The Timbers of Cass County and Vincent J. Jewelers.