Lyons Industries, a platinum level 18-year corporate sponsor of the upcoming Ice Time Festival, views the winter arts festival as one of the signature events of this community.

Lyons is one of five corporate underwriters of the 20th annual winter that returns to the downtown on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Corporate underwriters also include Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union, Dowsett Chiropractic Health Center, Chemical Bank and Starks Family Funeral Home.

Chairing this year’s event is Kris Lamphere, treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce, who owns Who Knew? Consignment and Refine Women’s Consignment.

“The Ice Time Festival is very important to the community,” said Lance Lyons, president of Lyons Industries.  “It’s one of many signature events that help to make Dowagiac such a great place to live.  It’s a tradition that kids and adults, alike, look forward to every year.  Lyons Industries is very proud to be a corporate sponsor of Ice Time, as we help continue this tradition for our community.”

Dr. Timothy Dowsett, former festival chairman, agreed with Lyons.

“Sponsoring the Ice Time Festival has been one of my favorite projects,” Dowsett said. “It takes advantage of a time of the year, when people are typically forced indoors and gives them a great day of activities for the entire family. It’s such a worthwhile cause for me to put my sponsorship dollars towards.  It benefits all aspects of the community by getting people out and about to enjoy our wonderful city.”

“We are blessed to have a group of steadfast corporate sponsors that return, year after year, to help the Chamber underwrite Ice Time.” Lamphere said. “Their generous contributions make it possible to present community festivals like this for the public to enjoy.”

She said another 30 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 begins at 1 p.m.

Sponsoring the main event, the Ice Carve-off, are Creative Foam, Eckman Chiropractic Clinic, Forest Glen Assisted Living, Hale’s Hardware, Mennel Milling Co. of Michigan, Olympia Books, Symonds Machine Co. and Wolverine Mutual Insurance Co.

Single-block ice sculpture sponsors are: Accounting Consultants, Allergy/Asthma & Sinus Center, Baker’s Rhapsody, Bow Wow Bakery & Bath, Deerpath Recycling, Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union, Dowagiac Area History Museum, the Edward Jones office of Kim MacGregor, Farm Bureau Insurance, 1st Source Bank, Front Street Crossing, Harding’s Friendly Market, Image, John A. Vylonis Custom Building, John & Curt’s Brake & Alignment, John Scott Insurance Agency, LADD, Mahar Insurance, Miss Michele & Co., Preferred Printing, Shabby Bou-Chic, Starks Family Funeral homes, State Farm Insurance and William’s A-1 Expert Tree Service.

Lamphere said 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 and the walrus wiggle,” she said. “Also returning is the popular Frozen Fish Toss Open Competition, the Hot Spot featuring a bonfire & s’mores, the Carvers’ Cave featuring demos by Fruitbelt Woodcarvers, chainsaw carving and the Snowball Daddy & Daughter Dance.”

Select specialty shops will hold winter clearance sales, with in-store events being held at Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Dowagiac District Library, The Mane Attraction, Rosy Tomorrows and Who Knew? Consignment.