Dowagiac is preparing for a larger Summer in the City Festival after a boost in funding from corporate sponsors and two fine arts grants.

The festival, which will dominate downtown Dowagiac July 26-28 in its 27th season, received the 11th installment from the St. Denys Foundation, totaling $10,000, to fund entertainment and costs of the festival.

In addition, The Pokagon Fund donated $5,000, an amount that was matched by corporate sponsors, also.

The festival features attractions such as musical performances, food vendors, children’s games, interactive entertainment, horse-drawn wagon and train rides, pony rides and a petting zoo.

The festival will also feature new additions this year, including a fire-eater, juggler and acrobatic performer, African and Mexican dance troops, along with performances by each of the city’s dance studios.

Vickie Phillipson, program director for the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority (DDA), announced the funding boost.

“Through the years, while its name has changed, the festival’s major underwriter, St. Denys Foundation, has remained a constant and steadfast supporter, and continues to be an essential aspect to the continuation of Dowagiac’s longest-running summertime event,” Phillipson said in a press release.

Several downtown streets will close to accompany the festival. While some events are slated for certain days during the festival, visitors will have the chance to take advantage of daily activities. Sidewalk sales, a grocery cart challenge, children’s clothesline art, Smaxy the Clown and balloon animals and a dunk tank.

“Our sincere gratitude is extended to St. Denys Foundation, The Pokagon Fund and to the festival’s corporate, in-kind and event sponsors, which have partnered with us to bring this family celebration to our central business district,” Phillipson said.

The festival begins 9 a.m. Thursday, July 26. Bingo with Miss Dowagiac kicks off at 2 p.m. at the Children’s Tent. Musical performances by Outta Towners and Kalamazoo Avenue Band will take place in Beckwith Park.

Families and kids are also invited to attend Safety Corner, which will allow children to explore a fire truck, ambulance, police car and bucket truck, as well as learn fire, electrical and drug safety.

For more information, or to view the full festival schedule, call the Chamber of Commerce at (269) 782-8212, or visit www.dowagiacchamber.com.