DOWAGIAC — Lyons Industries, a Platinum Level and seasoned, 21-year corporate sponsor of the upcoming Ice Time, views the winter arts festival as one of the signature events of the Dowagiac community.

Lyons is one of five corporate underwriters of the 23rd annual winter festival that returns to the downtown on Saturday, Feb. 2.  Corporate underwriters also include Gold Level sponsors Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes and Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union; and Silver Level sponsors Dowsett Chiropractic Health Center, and SEMCO.

Chairing this year’s event is Kris Soenen, treasurer of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, who owns Who Knew? 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. 

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

She said another group of businesses will sponsor the single ice sculptures that artisans will carve along Front and Commercial streets.

Soenen said festival activities 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 Ice Buckets.” she said.  Also returning is the popular Sled Dog Meet & Greet, the Frozen Fish Toss Open Competition, Chili Crawl and the Hot Spot featuring a bonfire & S’mores.  New this year there will be a Youth Ice Castle Build with the Potawatomi Zoo also hosting a segment on animal habits.

Select specialty shops will hold winter clearance sales, with in-store events being held at Bob Wow Bakery & Bath, Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Dowagiac District Library, Front Street Crossing/COA and Who Knew? Consignment.

For a full schedule of events, visit DowagiacChamber.com or the Chamber on Facebook.