By Staff
Much like the setting of a Dickens novel, southwestern Michigan's largest lighted Christmas parade is sure to transform Dowagiac and its turn-of-the-century storefronts into a storybook setting on Friday, Dec. 7, as 115 animated parade units travel the downtown.
The Dowagiac Candle-light Christmas Parade, presented by Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and underwritten by Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, opens at 7 p.m. with pre-parade entertainment on Front Street, where the Dogwood Chorale will perform atop the Master of Ceremonies' viewing stage.
Corporate sponsors of the yuletide event, which included the Nov. 16th Open House Weekend, are Dr. Matthew Cripe, First National Bank, LaSalle Bank and Williams A-1 Expert Tree Service.
Vickie Phillipson, program director of the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority, who coordinated the Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration and its parade, said once the event was moved to the early evening hours and it became a parade of lights, it has continued to attract new and animated entries from throughout southwestern Michigan, making it one of the largest Christmas events in this part of the state.
Serving as the evening's emcee is Patrick Murphy, manager of the Elks Lodge, who is a longtime Chamber of Commerce member and a former president of the business organization.
"Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital and Borgess Lee Medical Group are privileged to be part of this community and we are very proud to again be the major sponsor of the 2007 Dowagiac Christmas Parade," said Joy Strand, hospital administrator and chief operating officer.
"The holiday season has a special meaning for those of us at Borgess-Lee," said Strand, who will be introduced to the community this evening at a reception at Southwestern Michigan College.
"Because of the strong support we have received from the Cass County community, we are closer to the goal for 'A Campaign About Life,' our vital project to renovate and expand our emergency room. When that goal is met, construction will begin. As such, we view our involvement in the 2007 Christmas parade as both a 'thank-you card' for your support, and as a demonstration of our support to the communities we serve."
"Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital and the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, as the host of the 2007 celebration, along with our proud corporate sponsors, invite families from southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana to gather together their friends, as they enjoy our Grand Old City during this special yuletide season," Phillipson said Tuesday.
Spectators typically line the sidewalks downtown five shoulders deep along the parade route that ushers in an Old-World Victorian Santa and hundreds of marching and motorized units, representing schools, churches and community organizations from Dowagiac and its surrounding communities.
"The hundreds of wide-eyed parade-goers, who line the downtown sidewalks on parade evening are sure to be captivated by the creativity of our many imaginative and lighted holiday units," Phillipson said. "Our Old-World Victorian Santa comes as close to a true-life Santa Claus as any child could imagine. Even adults are amazed by his fascinating Victorian story-book appearance, which is a pleasant surprise from the typical holiday character found at shopping malls."
"The Old-World Santa, who is coming to Dowagiac from his Sinterklaus Reindeer Farm, will be transported atop the driver's seat of a three-seat carriage, driven by John Touse of Constantine. The ol' Victorian gentleman will be dressed in his finest attire, including a burgundy cape, with wool fleece lining and trim, and brocaded vest and knickers tailored by Lemon Creek Limited, a designer of wedding gowns in Berrien Springs."