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DOWAGIAC — The sound of sizzling meats and the smell of smoky flavors will be wafting through downtown Dowagiac this weekend.

Now in its 38th year, Dowagiac’s Summer Festival returns to downtown Dowagiac Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, featuring the second annual BBQ Competition. The festival is one of several seasonal events, hosted by the Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce. 

The festival kicks off Friday at noon. Front Street will be closed in the central business district to vehicle traffic and lined with vendors, sidewalk walk sales, food trucks and activities.  A pop up splash pad with several water features will offer children an opportunity to cool off from noon until 7 p.m.; families should consider packing swimsuits and towels. 

Steve’s Run, hosted by Southwestern Michigan College, will start at 6 p.m. Friday. The run will once again start and finish in Downtown Dowagiac and proceeds benefit cancer research and student scholarships. Steve’s Run includes a 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run/Walk and a Family Fun Run.

Following the race, Oak + Ash BBQ will host an after party featuring “Black River Band” from South Haven, Michigan, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., where racers, spectators and festival attendees are welcome to enjoy a cold beverage, eat BBQ and dance.  There is a $5 cover charge for adults and race participants may enter for free.  

The festival continues Saturday. Carnival rides and bounce houses, along with the pop-up splash pad, and a climbing wall open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as  “Dunk a Hero” sponsored by the Dowagiac Police Department. 

The second annual BBQ Competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society also takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  This event will host 26 teams competing for the Grand Reserve trophy and will be held in Slope’s parking lot, featuring a DJ playing summer tunes and announcing the play by play of the competition. Festival attendees will not be able to sample the backyard barbecuers’ fare, but plenty of food trucks and restaurants will be offering delectable meats and treats. 

Miss Michele & Co.Dance Studio and Green Dance Academy will perform from 1 to 3 p.m. on the corner of Commercial and Front Streets. 

For the complete schedule visit DowagiacChamber.com or Dowagiac Chamber on Facebook.  

The event is sponsor-driven through the support of Lyons Industries, ReLeaf Center of Dowagiac, Southwestern Michigan College, Sturgis Bank – Niles Branch, Midwest Energy & Communications, Padnos Dowagiac Recycling Center, Meridian Title, Xfinity and D.MottL Realty.