Dowagiac’s famous Candle-light Parade is returning this Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m., with a tree lighting ceremony in Beckwith Park at 6 p.m. The well-attended parade features more than 100 Christmas-themed floats, as well as Santa Claus himself.
In order to maintain a safe environment for the public and for parade participants, Front Street will be closed beginning at 4 p.m. Friday.
“There will be no on-street parking for the December 2 parade, allowing adequate room for families to safely watch the event, without the fear of parade units coming too close to the crowd,” said Kris Soenen, Chamber of Commerce President, “While we have always been concerned about safety, the parade has grown and has attracted larger units. In past years, we brought in an additional volunteer crew, which together with Dowagiac police, monitored the crowd from edging too far out into the street. The closure of parking on Front Street is another step to ensure everyone’s safety.”
In preparation for closing Front Street, any vehicles remaining on the street at 4 p.m. will be relocated to the City parking lot at Main and Pennsylvania streets.
Listen for the tolling bell of the Town Crier at 7 p.m., as the parade steps off at Front and Main streets, circling the downtown.
Festive holiday music will once again be heard on the street provided by Lincoln Clark from the Dowagiac Middle School, and Dowagiac High School Choir which will perform in front of City Hall prior to parade start.
Deck the Halls, Cottage Gallery, OH MY Old Made New, Caruso’s Candy & Soda Shop and other downtown stores will be open late for some Christmas shopping, while Front Street Crossing will be serving free hot chocolate.
