The Pokagon Fund, which is a multi-year underwriter of Dowagiac’s Ice Time Festival, has awarded a $2,000 fine arts grant to the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, as a major corporate sponsor of the upcoming Feb. 7 winter arts festival.

The announcement was made Thursday by Kris Lamphere, event chairman, who is treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce. Lamphere owns Who Knew? Consignment and Refine Women’s Consignment in downtown Dowagiac.

Major underwriters of the 19th annual event also include Lyons Industries, Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union and Dowsett Chiropractic Health Center.

“We are blessed to have a group of steadfast corporate sponsors that return, year after year, to help the Chamber underwrite this wintertime event,” Lamphere said. “Their generous contributions make it possible to present community festivals like this for the public to enjoy. The added benefit of the $2,000 grant from The Pokagon Fund helps us grow the festival to the next level.”

She said another 30 to 35 businesses will sponsor the single and multi-block cornerstone ice sculptures that artisans will carve along Front and Commercial streets, and the timed carve-off at Beckwith Park that beings at 1 p.m.

Lamphere said new events have been added to encourage families to come outside to enjoy one of Michigan’s best seasons. “Our Lil Chippers Outside Game Area returns with broom hockey, snow bowling, frozen fish toss and the walrus wiggle. “

“Focusing on the fun that can be had in our snowy season, art students and staff from Southwestern Michigan College will create outdoor art by sculpting snow from whatever Mother Nature provides that weekend,” Lamphere said. “At home, children can imitate this same type of activity with their own shovels and garden tools. This makes for some inexpensive fun on snow days.”

“In a nod to industries that have historical importance in Michigan, Ice Time presents two new events,” Lamphere said. A Timber Sports Exhibition, featuring the Forestry Clubs of Michigan State University and Ohio State University, will be held from 11 to 3 p.m. “College students will stage a friendly competition that demonstrates the skills used in the state’s old-time lumbering business,” Lamphere said. “Whether you choose to wear green or red, the public is encouraged to come cheer on these two college teams.”

Also new to Ice Time is Snowtime Sugaring, presented by St. Joseph County Parks of Indiana. Lamphere said park interpreters will share an interactive exhibit, including vintage and new tools that demonstrate the making of maple syrup, which begins by tapping maple trees in late-February. Festival goers will also have an opportunity to purchase the product.

For some added outside fun, families will also enjoy the new Frozen Fish Toss Open Competition that begins at noon on Commercial Street. “Bring a partner for the competition, which is modeled after the old-time game of tossing an egg to one’s partner. The Wounded Minnow Saloon, sponsor of the event, will award a gift certificate to the winning team.

For a full schedule of events, visit www.DowagiacChamber.com or like the Chamber on Facebook.