Those who have been among the hundreds of spectators of Dowagiac’s Candle-light Christmas Parade and wondered what it would be like to appear in the annual holiday event will soon have a chance to wonder no more.

The Candle-light Christmas Parade of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, which in recent years has become one of southwestern Michigan’s largest holiday events, is slated for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. Presented by Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital and the Chamber of Commerce, the parade is part of this community’s holiday celebration that also includes Christmas Open House Weekend, Nov. 10-12; Small Business Saturday; and, new this year, Breakfast with Santa, on Saturday, Dec. 16, co-hosted by the Dowagiac Elks Lodge.

Chairing the parade is Max Sala. Parade registration forms are available by calling the Chamber of Commerce at (269) 782-8212, by emailing vphillipson@Dowagiac.org and are available online at DowagiacChamber.com.

There is no charge to enter a float or marching unit in the parade. Participation is open to everyone, from church groups to school classes or even groups of neighbors, who would like to join the festivities.

Community groups that may not have the resources to construct a float, are encouraged to simply gather together and walk the parade route, caroling by candlelight. The fellowship of gathering together with friends and family to celebrate this joyous season is what the Christmas parade is all about.

Deadline to enter the parade is Thursday, Nov. 9.

Corporate sponsors of the celebration also include: The Business Center of Southwestern Michigan, Casual Tees Inc., Chemical Bank, Clark Chapel / Starks Funeral Homes, COA / Front Street Crossing, Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Kim MacGregor’s Office of Edward Jones, John A. Vylonis Custom Building, Mahar Insurance, The Marshall Shoppe, May Oberfell Lorber, The Timbers of Cass County and Vincent J. Jewelers.

For a schedule of events of holiday activities, visit DowagiacChamber.com.