Live mannequins and strolling musicians are coming to downtown Dowagiac for the Spring Open House Weekend April 25 & 26.
The third-annual event 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. “This is the second year for downtown to roll out a spring runway of live storefront window mannequins on Saturday, April 26, from Noon to 2 p.m.,” Phillipson said.
“Spring Open House is being underwritten by our friend at Family Fare, Honor Credit Union and The Myers-Henry & Hassle Team @Properties. With their help, we are excited to feature several activities Saturday afternoon to engage the public,” she added.
In addition to the live mannequins, musicians Jeff Neumann of Farm Bureau Insurance and John Seculoff of Edward Jones will stroll in and out of each of the 13 host businesses downtown from Noon to 3 p.m., singing and performing on guitar.
Also on Saturday, a two-part children’s event will be featured. Children can attend a make-and-take butterfly craft at Isabella Grace from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Located in the building that formerly housed Round Oak Restaurant, Isabella Grace is a maker’s retreat center that also includes a fabric and craft store.
Following the craft workshop, from 1:30 to 2:30 a children’s Princess Tea Party will be held at Caruso’s Candy Kitchen. Miss Dowagiac Amelia Bakeman and her Court of Honor will be on hand at both the craft workshop and princess tea to assist children.
“Thanks to our sponsors, the children’s events are being held free of charge,” Phillipson said. “Seating at both activities are limited to 24 children, who will receive a butterfly kit and princess tiara, and enjoy cookies, beverage, story time and photos with Miss Dowagiac, before they stroll Front Street. To reserve a seat, families should call Cottage Gallery at 269.591.9185
Downtown businesses hosting Spring Open House Weekend include: Bow Wow Bakery & Bath, Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Cottage Gallery, Deck the Halls, Flowers by Anna, Isabella Grace, The Marshall Shoppe, Oh My – Old Made New, Olympia Books, Rosy Tomorrows, Vincent J. Jewelers, Who Knew? Consignment and Yarn on Front.
“Spring Open House Weekend provides Dowagiac specialty shops with the opportunity to showcase their new spring and summer merchandise,” Phillipson said. “The weekend event opens on Friday, April 25, with in-store promotions as businesses also feature drawings, sweet treats or giveaways. On Saturday, as activities gear up for the commuity, in-store guest vendors will join us downtown.”
SNAP of Michigan will be at Bow Wow Bakery & Bath on Saturday from 10 to 2 p.m. with animals for adoption.
A Finklepotts Fairy will be on hand at Cottage Gallery on Saturday from 11 to 3 p.m. For a nominal fee, children and adults can have strands of sparkling fairy hair added to their hair. To reserve an appointment, call 919.802.2800.
Flowers by Anna on Friday will host the pop-up vendor, Bare Naked Salts & Soaps. In addition, a large selection of fresh flowers will greet customers. On Friday, with a certain level of purchase, customers will be able to make their own vase arrangement from Anna’s flower bar.
The Marshall Shoppe on Saturday from 10 to 5 p.m. will host Mandy Wallace, owner of Acres of Grace, a Dowagiac company that produces all-natural soap made with high-quality oils, handcrafted in her kitchen.
Darlene Dar, creator of Dar’s Dips, will appear at Rosy Tomorrow’s on Saturday from Noon to 2 p.m. Customers will be able to sample her dips, as Darlene explains the many ways each dip can be used.
Yarn on Front on Saturday will feature special hand-dyed yarn and a drawing valued at $200 in celebration of the annual Local Yarn Store Day, which coinsides with Spring Open House Weekend.
