As planning begins for the holiday retail season, the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce recently announced Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital for the 10th consecutive year has stepped forward as the major $2,000 underwriter of this community’s Christmas celebration.

The tri-fold yuletide celebration features family events Open House Weekend, Nov. 13-15, Small Business Saturday and continues Friday, Dec. 4, as the magnificent lighted procession of 100 holiday floats, costumed characters and marching bands usher in one of this community’s best-loved traditions.

Event co-chairman Vickie Phillipson, Chamber of Commerce & DDA program director, said she is pleased to also welcome the following corporate sponsors, which together with Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, have funded the $5,000 community celebration. They are: AEP / Indiana Michigan Power, Burling & Gillesby DDS, Chemical Bank, Front Street Crossing / COA, Mahar Insurance and Vylonis Contracting.

Family events Open House Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., are built around the appearance of an Old-World Victorian Santa, who will greet families at Wood Fire Italian Trattoria; a European-styled Mrs. Claus, who will lead an interactive children’s event at Who Knew? Consignment; and a display by the Alpacas of Chambana. Appearing with the jolly ‘ole couple will be Alyssa Wainwright, Miss Blossomtime Congeniality; and the Miss Dowagiac Court of Honor.

At Beckwith Park, the Shelagh Brown Duo brings favorite Christmas melodies to the downtown. Entertainment will also feature a holiday dance performance by MKSODance.

Contestants of the 2016 Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant will feature hot chocolate for sale at Beckwith Park alongside a bake sale by MKSODance, as pastry artist Jordan Anderson, owner of The Baker’s Rhapsody, features his delightful holiday creations outside his new storefront that will open later this year.

Phillipson said families will also enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and can participate in the hands-on Christmas Card Design Workshop at Dowagiac Area History Museum.