With colorful streamers waving across the stage and Dowagiac youth tumbling through the air, audience members had a great peek at all the Dogwood Fine Arts Festival brings to Dowagiac.

The Starfish Circus kicked off the Grand Old City’s annual celebration of the arts. While there are many visual art fairs and festivals throughout Michiana, none celebrate performing arts in the way that the Dogwood Fine Arts Festival does, which makes the weeks-long event not only a great benefit to being a Dowagiac resident, but a great way to attract tourists to Dowagiac.

Tomorrow, the Fischoff Music Soiree will serenade visitors at the Dowagiac Area History Museum.

Friday, people can enjoy the art of silent cinema at the Dale A. Lyons Building at Southwestern Michigan College.

Saturday, Transit Authority will bring the sounds of popular band Chicago to the stage.

On May 14, storyteller Anne Rutherford will take audiences to another world as she teaches others how to tell stories in a way that captivates audiences.

On Thursday, May 16, we will celebrate the great work done by students in Dowagiac at Fine Arts Night, and next Friday, we’ll hear from best-selling author Wade Rouse.

This festival is catered not only to artists wishing to hone their crafts, but to those who simply appreciate and enjoy every art form from paintings to film.

We hope you will join us in showing your appreciation for the dedicated individuals who make this festival happen year after year by attending performances and participating in activities hosted throughout the next week and a half.

Like the beautiful trees that gave the festival its namesake, this festival is sure to add some color to your world, and we hope you take advantage of it.

Opinions expressed are those of general manager Ambrosia Neldon, managing editor Sarah Culton and sports editor Scott Novak.