This October families can celebrate Michigan’s glorious autumn and enjoy a glimpse of true Americana, as Under the Harvest Moon returns to downtown Dowagiac on Saturday, Oct. 10.

While the festival that is presented by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce was previously funded, in part, by grant monies, the fifth annual celebration is fully funded by the local community.

Corporate sponsors of the festival are: Creative Vinyl Signs, local grower Charlie Dohm, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Kim MacGregor’s office of Edward Jones, Fifth Third Bank, Forest  Glen Assisted Living, Hale’s Hardware, J&H Oil Company, Leader Publications, Mennel Milling Co. of Michigan, Preferred Printing, Skibbe Business & Tax Service, Smoke Vision Care, Southwestern Michigan College, Town & Country Garden Club and Williams A-1 Expert Tree Service.

At the heart of the event will be a display of new and vintage farm tractors, an open air marketplace of antiques, fall produce, Michigan handmade products and sweet delicacies, as well as street entertainment and family activities.

The 2015 celebration is co-chaired by Chamber president Kim MacGregor of Edward Jones and Vickie Phillipson, program director for the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority, who raised funds for the festival and handled event scheduling.

Phillipson said in anticipation of the fall celebration the central business district will be decked out in autumn colors as the Dowagiac Farm & Artisan Market and local grower Charlie Dohm have agreed to fund the purchase of mums that will be planted in streetscape containers by members of the Town & Country Garden Club.

An assembly of scarecrows is also expected to fill the central business district, as the public and business owners are encouraged to enter the Scarecrow Contest.  To enter the contest, register for a booth in the open-air marketplace or obtain a full schedule of events, call the Chamber of Commerce at (269) 782-8212 or visit www.DowagiacChamber.com

Festival goers can enjoy pulled-pork sandwiches and brats, grilled over an open flame by Smokin’ Good BBQ of Cassopolis and Hubbert’s sweet kettle corn.  Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy Caruso Candy Kitchen’s apple and cider bar, and cinnamon ice cream topped with warm apples.

The Taste of Michigan Wine & Craft Brew will be hosted by The Wounded Minnow Saloon on its outdoor patio.  The restaurant will also feature acorn squash and four other seasonal soups and is sponsoring the Corn Hole Tournament.

In addition to the display of new and vintage farm tractors, and the outdoor marketplace, festival events include demonstrations of wood carving and wood sculpting, along with exhibits of miniature horses and donkeys.

Children can enjoy the take-home craft event at Who Knew? Consignment, fall games hosted by the Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant, pumpkin decorating hosted by MKSOD Dance, a pumpkin pie eating contest and a costumed pet parade hosted by the new Bow Wow Bakery & Bath on Front Street.   Children can also meet Zelda the witch and tour the city by horse-drawn wagon.   Street entertainment features performances by the Van Dyke Review and MKSOD.

For a full schedule of events visit www.DowagiacChamber.com or call (269) 782-8212.