08/19/2026
So much fun to get to work with such a great team and help sponsor such an important community event. We have two more weeks of free music in the park! Be sure to come out and soak in these last little bits of summer!
If you've enjoyed any of the Dowagiac Music in the Park shows in the past few years, chances are that volunteer Dennis Kelley helped make your evening just a little more special.
When organizers began making free bottles of water on ice available, Dennis saw an opportunity to help out his community by handing out that water to anyone who crossed his path — and just like that, "The Waterboy," as he's now known, was born.
Dennis' enthusiasm and volunteerism even carried over into the Music in the Park off-season, when he crocheted a beautiful, meaningful piece that highlights Dowagiac's natural features, diversity, and of course, Music in the Park.
Today, he presented the piece to the City. Dennis is shown here with City leaders and Music in the Park organizers — from left, Zena Burns, Mona Green, Mayor Bakeman, Dennis, Mayor Pro Tem Lucas, and Bobbie Jo Hartline.
Thank you, #1 Waterboy, for taking the time to help make our community a better place!
The Waterboy will be on duty at this Thursday's Music in the Park as usual. Come say hi, thank him for all he does, and enjoy that free water.
If you're interested in volunteer opportunities, there are plenty available around town. We'll start with the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, which is frequently looking for volunteers for its seasonal events. If you're aware of other opportunities, or you're looking for an opportunity yourself, drop them in comments!