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DOWAGIAC — If you have an inspiring princess at home, Dowagiac’s upcoming Spring Open House provides the perfect opportunity for your child to receive her cherished tiara.

As part of downtown Dowagiac’s Spring Open House Weekend, April 19 and 20, a Princess Tea Party will be held at Caruso’s Candy Kitchen on that Saturday, beginning at 1:30 p.m.  The children’s free interactive event is hosted by Caruso’s and the Miss Dowagiac Court of Honor.

Dowagiac’s second-annual Spring Open House Weekend was organized by Vickie Phillipson, owner of Cottage Gallery, and Claudia Zebell, owner of Rosy Tomorrows.  During its first year, the promotion focused on in-store sales.  “As we grow the community event, we are pleased this year to roll out a spring runway of live storefront window mannequins, strolling musicians and the Princess Tea Party on Saturday,” Phillipson said.  

“Spring Open House is being underwritten by our friends and associates at Family Fare, Garage Doors Plus More and Honor Credit Union.  With their help, we are excited to feature activities on Saturday afternoon to engage the public.”

Phillipson said seating is limited to 20 children for the Princess Tea. To reserve a seat, parents should all (269) 591-9185.

Attendees will receive a tiara and enjoy cookies, story time and photos with Miss Dowagiac Natasha Griggs before they stroll Front Street with members of the Court of Honor Abby Dobberstein, Jamie Howard and Hayley Jones.

In addition to the Princess Tea, events on Saturday also feature live storefront window mannequins from Noon to 2 p.m. at seven locations downtown.  Musicians Jeff Neumann of Farm Bureau Insurance and John Seculoff of Edward Jones will stroll in and out of each of the 11 host specialty shops from Noon to 3 p.m., singing and performing on guitar.

Downtown businesses hosting Spring Open House Weekend include: Bow Wow Bakery & Bath, Caruso’s, Cottage Gallery, Deck the Halls, Flowers by Anna, The Marshall Shoppe, Oh My – Old Made New, Olympia Books, Rosy Tomorrows, Vincent J. Jewelers and Who Knew? Consignment. 

“This special weekend provides shop owners with the opportunity to showcase their new spring and summer merchandise,” Phillipson said.  “The weekend event opens on Friday, April 19, with in-store promotions as businesses also feature drawings, sweet treats or giveaways.  On Saturday, as activities gear up for the community, guest in-store vendors will also join us downtown.”