Christmas spirit is coming early to downtown Dowagiac this year — flip-flops, sunshine and all — as the Decorate Dowagiac Committee kicks off its 2025 fundraising drive with a “Christmas in July” celebration during this weekend’s Dowagiac Summer Festival.
The star of the show? None other than Santa Claus himself, taking a break from the North Pole to enjoy some Michigan sunshine and spread holiday cheer ahead of schedule.
“We are thrilled to bring a little Christmas magic to the Summer Festival,” says Melissa Gunn, chair of the Decorate Dowagiac Committee and owner of Deck the Halls, a festive boutique in the heart of downtown. “Santa is squeezing in a quick vacation — and he’s making a special stop in Dowagiac!”
Families are invited to stop by and say hello to Summer Santa on Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. near the Deck the Halls storefront. The first 300 children to visit will receive a special “Believe” coin as a token of holiday spirit — even in the heat of July.
The Decorate Dowagiac Committee is on a mission to elevate the city’s holiday décor game. With a multi-year plan in place, the group is raising funds to restore, enhance and expand Dowagiac’s Christmas streetscape — everything from tree toppers to twinkling lights.
Last year’s effort successfully raised just under $6,000, enough to give the 25-foot Christmas tree in Beckwith Park a beautiful glow-up, complete with colorful ornaments, strings of lights, and a new topper — all thanks to donations from local residents and businesses.
“This is very much a community-driven effort,” Gunn adds. “Commercial-grade holiday décor doesn’t come cheap, and it will take all of us working together year after year to make the downtown sparkle.”
Donations can be made at Summer Santa’s booth this weekend, or in the coming weeks at several participating locations including Bow Wow Bakery and Bath, Who Knew Consignment, Deck the Halls, and 1st Source Bank.
Whether you’re dreaming of snow or just enjoying the festival vibes, this is a chance to get into the giving spirit — months ahead of schedule — and help make the season bright in Dowagiac.
