For those who believe in every little girl there is a princess, children will have the opportunity to create their very own fairy tale as Summer in the City returns to downtown Dowagiac next week.

First inspired by the children’s book, “Fancy Nancy,” the Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant will again host its Princess Party & Parade at noon on Friday, July 21, at Beckwith Park.

Celebrating its 32nd year, Summer in the City is one of several seasonal events hosted by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce.

Vickie Phillipson, chamber of commerce program director, said little girls are invited to dress as a princess and bring their favorite doll to the Princess Party & Parade.  Participants of the princess-themed activity receive pink and lavender tiaras, and enjoy story time, treats and photos with Miss Dowagiac Madison Phelps and her Court of Honor.

Summer in the City has been underwritten this year by AK Montgomery, Burling & Gillesby DDS, Chemical Bank, Clark Chapel/Starks Family Funeral Homes, Creative Vinyl Signs, D. MottL Realty Group, Dowsett Chiropractic Health Center, Kim MacGregor’s Office of Edward Jones, Family Fare, Four Winds Casino, Lyons Industries, Olympia Books, Southwestern Michigan College, Wightman & Associates, Who Knew? Consignment and Wolverine Mutual Insurance Co.

The summer gala kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday evening, July 20, as American Idol contender Jared Knox & the Hagar Bombs take the stage at Beckwith Park.  Knox, who is said to be one of the finest up and coming musicians in southwest Michigan, has opened for such Country greats as Lorrie Morgan, Chris Cagle and Tracy Lawrence.

The special 90-minute performance, beginning at 7 p.m., is presented in conjunction with the Beckwith Park Summer Concert Series, underwritten by Huntington Bank, Chemical Bank and Honor Credit Union.

The festival swings into full gear Friday and Saturday, featuring sidewalk sales, entertainment and children’s events, and wraps up Sunday with ACTION’s Community Praise Jam at 2 p.m.

Families attending Summer in the City Festival will have an array of activities to enjoy, from roaming circus acts to children’s games, Vertical Edge Entertainment’s climbing wall and Dixie Twister, pedal cars, a trackless train, dunk tank and a rubber ducky race.

Festival highlights also include Friday night’s concert from 7 to 10:30 p.m. by Nashville singer-songwriter Kari Lynch and the Summer on Tap craft brew event, hosted this year by Sister Lakes Brewing Company.  The Amazing Race and Taste of Dowagiac, featuring eight of this community’s favorite restaurants, take place Saturday.

For a full schedule of events or to reserve a sidewalk booth, call the Chamber at 782-8212 or visit DowagiacChamber.com.