Could it be true? Are those birds chirping outside?

I hesitate to write these words, because we all know how fickle Mother Nature can be — especially this time of year.

While the winter was certainly not as severe as others, I think we were all growing tired of the colder-than-usual winter days that caused at least nine snow days and a whole lot of a cabin fever — not to mention the almost-record-breaking low temperatures at the end of January.

I dare say, however, that the sunshine seems like it’s here to stay for a while.

Spring is a time of awakening in southwest Michigan. Just like the animals coming out of hibernation to populate our yards and parks, local residents begin to fill our sidewalks, taking advantage of what the business community has to offer.

Before we know it, summer residents will be returning to the lakesides in Cassopolis, Edwardsburg, Buchanan, Sister Lakes and the Lake Michigan coast, and weekend traffic will be even busier.

Now is the time of year when many new businesses open back up for the season, or extend their hours to accommodate more business. It’s when many businesses decide to open for the first time, just in time to accommodate the heightened traffic in the business districts.

Niles will soon welcome two new establishments sure to draw crowds: Iron Shoe Distillery and Gabrizio’s Italian Bakery right across the street in the Fifty5 building.

In Dowagiac, Twistee’s will be open before long, as will Swirlyz in Niles. 

Spring is also a time of revival, and no business speaks to that more than Dussel’s Farm Market this year.

Just in time for bulbs and the first crops of the season, the farm market will reopen its doors following the tragic one-two-punch of a fire and traffic crash that shuttered the business for most of the winter.

Spring injects life into a community. The world becomes more colorful. People are happier and healthier out in the sunshine. Businesses thrive. Communities quite literally blossom.

I am looking forward to witnessing this ongoing awakening, and crossing my fingers that the sunshine is here to stay.

Ambrosia Neldon is the general manager at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7700 or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com