As planning begins for the holiday retail season, the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital for the 11th 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. 11-13, Small Business Saturday and continues Friday, Dec. 2, 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 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 $4,800 community celebration.

They are: Advanced Dermatology, the Business Center of Southwestern Michigan, Casual Tees Inc., Chemical Bank, Cass County COA / Front Street Crossing, Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Edward Jones’ Office of Kim MacGregor, John A. Vylonis Custom Building, Mahar Insurance, The Timbers of Cass County and Wightman & Associates.

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; and a European-styled Mrs. Claus, who will greet families at Beckwith Park, where outdoor events will be headquartered.

At the Beckwith Park families can take photos with the Magic Minis, the three costumed miniature horses of Whitney Podell, enjoy the holiday classics of David Lloyd and Vicki Vanas, tour the city by horse-drawn wagon and watch the holiday performance of Positively Dance.  There will also be hot chocolate served by contestants of the Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant, and baked goods by MKSOD and Positively Dance.

At Wood Fire Italilan Trattoria, children will receive a coloring book from the Chamber of Commerce and corporate underwriters, and can enter the drawing to appear with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Dec. 2 Candle-light Christmas Parade.  Winners will also receive a giant gift basket of toys.

In-store activities feature Kringle Krafts for children at Who Knew? Consignment, holiday pet photos at Bow Wow Bakery & Bath, a Christmas Card Design Workshop at Dowagiac Area History Museum and a hands-on workshop at Rosy Tomorrows, crafting a wreath from vintage papers.

To receive a schedule of holiday events, visit DowagiacChamber.com or its Facebook page.