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DOWAGIAC — Venue 132 and Flowerfield Farmstead are teaming up to offer a workshop to make holiday centerpieces on Thursday, Dec. 12, as specialty shops in downtown Dowagiac host an evening of shopping, dinner and merriment.

The fourth-annual Extended Hours Holiday Shopping Event, featuring Jolly ‘Ole St. Nick and strolling musicians, is being hosted by 14 downtown businesses, including Venue 132.

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

Families can register for the workshop to make fresh evergreen centerpieces by calling (269) 271-6329 or by visiting FlowerfieldFarmstead.com.  

Cost for the class, which includes all supplies, along with snacks and a complimentary beverage, is $65.  The class runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Being able to create your own masterpiece with fresh greenery, dried fruits and flowers will be so much fun,” said Michelle Milnamow, owner of Venue 132.  “We‘ll be doing this while listening to Christmas music and seeing Santa, the Christmas lights and carolers.  It’s going to feel like downtown Dowagiac is the scene of a Hallmark Christmas movie!”

Also located at Venue 132, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Santa will greet families for photos before he joins strolling musicians on the street.

Performing from 5 to 7 p.m. will be members of the Dowagiac Union High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Benjamin VanRoekel, and guitarist and singer Jeff Neumann of Farm Bureau Insurance and his wife Mary.  

Specialty shops participating in the Dec. 12 extended hours promotion include: The Baker’s Rhapsody, Bow Wow Bakery & Bath, Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Cottage Gallery, Deck the Halls, Flowers by Anna, The Marshall Shop, Oh My Old Made New, Olympia Books, Rosy Tomorrows, Venue 132, Vincent J. Jewelers, Who Knew? Consignment and Yarn on Front.

Phillipson said the Dec. 12 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.