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DOWAGIAC — Jolly ‘Ole St. Nick, strolling musicians and holiday wreath making will be featured in downtown Dowagiac on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m., as specialty shops host an evening of music, merriment and personalized shopping.

The third-annual Extended Hours Holiday Shopping Event was organized by Vickie Phillipson, owner of Cottage Gallery, and Claudia Zebell, owner of Rosy Tomorrows.

“We are delighted to host this special night of shopping beneath the holiday lights of our central business district,” Phillipson said.  “Customers will enjoy leisurely and personalized service at each of our specialty shops, some of which will offer savings, treats and beverages.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dowagiac Union High School’s choir, under the direction of Hunter Schuur.  Students will stroll in and out of the participating Front Street businesses caroling.  Also performing will be Dowagiac graduate and clarinetist Sara Torbet, who now attends Southwestern Michigan College, and guitarist and singer Jeff Neumann of Farm Bureau Insurance.” 

Santa will greet children from 5 to 6 p.m. at Venue 132, located next to Caruso’s Candy Kitchen.  

“We invite families and children to then join Jolly ‘Ole St. Nick, as he visits each of our specialty shops.” 

Families can get ready for the holidays by attending the fresh evergreen wreath-making class at Venue 132.  The hands-on class from 6:30 to 8 p.m. will be presented by Flowerfield Farmstead, a small-scale flower and vegetable farm in Three Rivers. 

The cost of the class is $70, which includes refreshments, fresh evergreens and adornments.  Advance registration is required by calling Michelle Milnamow at 269.262.1444 or by visiting FlowerfieldFarmstead.com.  Space is limited.

Specialty shops participating in the Dec. 7 extended hours promotion include: The Baker’s Rhapsody, Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Cottage Gallery, Deck the Halls, Dowagiac Pharmacy, The Marshall Shop, Oh My Old Made New, Olympia Books, Rosy Tomorrows, Salted Words on Division Street, Venue 132, Who Knew? Consignment and Yarn on Front.

Phillipson said the Dec. 7 evening of music, merriment and shopping can be wrapped up by dining at any one of Dowagiac’s fine and casual dining restaurants, all of which will be open for the event.