Dixon Main Street

  • DMS Annual Report -- May 2013


    The Dixon Main Street Mission:
    Since 1996, the Dixon Main Street has been an active, strong and exciting organization focused on the betterment of downtown Dixon and the city as a whole. We are an organization built and sustained by countless volunteers who are passionate about the services and events that Main Street provides. Our mission statement is simple: To foster a spirit of community teamwork and to strengthen, revitalize, and broaden the economic base of the community area, while improving the appearance of the downtown area, and promoting and marketing Dixon as a vibrant place to visit, work, shop, play, and live.

    The Dixon Main Street Vision:
    Dixon Main Street has a vision for the 21stcentury to enhance downtown Dixon’s rich history while continuing to develop our diverse dining, cultural, and shopping opportunities. Anchored by our premier riverfront, downtown Dixon offers a family friendly destination that is unique and inviting for visitors and residents alike. Dixon is a hip and modern downtown that keeps its roots in the historic fabric that has made our city great since 1830. All of this makes Dixon a wonderful destination and a fantastic place to call home

    2013 Board of Directors
    Scott Brown, Wendler Engineering (President)
    Kevin Marx, KSB Hospital (Immediate Past President)
    John Jones, Kitzmans Lumber (Vice President)
    Donna-Louise Jasper, Blackhawk Insurance (Secretary)
    Laura Bock, Sauk Valley Properties (Treasurer)
    Mike Venier, Venier Jewelers
    Becky Reilly, Sauk Valley Newspapers
    Ryan Marshall, The Stables
    Bill Mick, Raynor

    Executive Director
    Josh Albrecht

    Looking Forward in 2013
    As we move forward into 2013, Dixon Main Street will continue to create amazing festivals and events for the city of Dixon, along with our numerous behind-the-scenes programs for our businesses and merchants.
    A few of our  goals for this year will be:
    1) to continue the One Dixon Concept as we embark on moving into the Fifth Third Bank building with other non-profit groups in our community to create an alliance of organizations to strengthen the city.
    2) to strengthen our partnership with the Petunia Festival and aid in the festivals transition into the downtown festival setting while also helping them plan for the special 50th Anniversary in 2014.
    3) to create a new concert event in August to enhance Reagan Trail Days and to continue to make Dixon a hotbed for live music in the region.
    4) to build up the Christmas Walk for the 25th Anniversary of that event.
    5) to create and support more promotional opportunities for our merchants throughout the community.

    2012 Highlights
    MUMFORD & SONS GOTR Festival — A 2-day festival that had more than 20,000 people between the Page Park festival grounds and downtown festivities. Estimated at bringing $4.5 million of spending to the city.
    Musical Fridays Concert Series — Free summer
    concerts on the Riverfront from June—September. Added additional weeks.
    Scarecrow Festival — Nearly 5,000 people strolled through the downtown to enjoy games and family activities including pumpkin painting, doggy zoo, Monster Truck rides, Pumpkin Patch, games, activities and more.
    24th Annual Christmas Walk — A great tradition for the whole family in the downtown with more than 5,000 people in attendance and the popular Great Snowball Drop along with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and much more.
    Reagan Trail Days — Featured an ice cream social, community picnic, downtown festival, historic trolley rides, wine tasting, and the Dixon Municipal Band Concert.
    And we also do ….
    Founder’s Day Celebration, Fourth Grade History and Architecture Program, Lunch and Learn, Shop Talk  Merchants Meetings,  Monster Pancakes, Downtown Clean-up, Ultimate Tailgate, Community-Wide Garage Sales. Provided free office space for the Dixon Riverfront Commission.  Provided opportunities for community organizations to raise funds at special events. Worked to get the downtown on the National Register of Historic Places. Partnered with the Petunia Festival, Yaddy Memorial Event, Second Saturdays, Sauk Valley Shop Small, Historic Dixon Theatre, Dixon Historic Center, Reagan Boyhood Home, RR5K, Inc., Dixon Park District, YMCA, Dixon Municipal Band, Dixon Chamber of Commerce, LCCOA, Noon Lions, and many more


    Dixon Main Street Dollars and Cents
    Dixon Main Street is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Our efforts are designed to enhance the city of Dixon through downtown revitalization, historic preservation and promotional events. We make every effort to put the money that we receive in donations and support back into the city that we serve. We operate on a budget of just over $100,000 each year.

    Where our funds go ...
    - Downtown improvements such as our banner project and Christmas decorations.
    - Local Musicians and artists-- a wide variety of local musicians perform at our festivals and Musical Fridays, including Acoustic Circus, Robbie LeBlanc, Jeff Kagay, The Cool Kids and more.
    - Partnerships with Restaurants and Bars  -- We often need food and drink for our events and many restaurants and bars benefit from these opportunities.
    - Special Event Venues -- our events and programs are held throughout the community at various locations, including the Post House Ballroom, Historic Dixon Theatre, Loveland Community House, Timber Creek and many more.
    - Partnerships with organizations -- with so many events, we often need help and will make donations to organizations that lend a hand.
    - Event costs -- Every event has money spent through advertising and other promotional material, supplies and resources and other event needs.
    - Administrative -- We have a full-time executive director, a downtown building to maintain and pay taxes on, utility costs, and general operating expenses.

    Where our funds come from ...
    Fundraising events -- Events like our golf outing, annual gala, theatre events, Ulitmate Tailgate and much more.
    Annual Fundraising Campaign -- The annual fundraising campaign accounts for about 10 percent of our budget each year.
    Fundraisers -- Streetlight Banner Program, DMS garage sale, Christmas Walk Raffle and other small fundraisers.
    - Donations and Grants -- We apply for grants from various organizations and businesses. We also receive donations from individuals and businesses in the community. And we received donations from Petunia Festival, RR5K, Dixon Wine and Beer Festival and the Yaddy Memorial Tournament for helping with those events.
    - The City of Dixon -- The City of Dixon generously grants DMS funds each year; for FY2012-2013, the city will have granted DMS $14,000. This is about 14 percent of the total Dixon Main Street Budget.

    What you may not know about our funds ...
    - The city of Dixon grants DMS money each year; however, we do not see any funding from the state or federal government.
    - Many of our promotional events are designed as free events for the community and do not create revenue for DMS; events such as Scarecrow Festival, Christmas Walk, Musical Fridays and the 4th Grade Tours are funded by sponsors and DMS. When full sponsorships are not attained, DMS uses its general funds to make sure these community events continue.
    -  While we are a non-profit organization, we are still subject to taxes like other businesses. Each year, we pay payroll taxes and property taxes as part of being a business.

    The Value of Main Street
    In 2008, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Architecture published the book, Economic Value of Urban Design, which analyzed the impact of community Main Street programs. Some of his findings include:
    • Higher percentages of job increases in active Main Street cities.
    • The most significant changes in increased property values, retail sales volume and ground-floor rental rates occurred in small city programs.
    • More entrepreneurship in active Main Street cities than in former and non-Main Street cities.
    • Higher (and in some cases, 'considerably higher') taxable retail sales occurred in Main Street cities
    • Both financial and non-financial benefits accrued from participating in the Main Street effort
    • “The Main Street Four-Point Approach [is] the most successful of all 16 downtown development strategies studied." 
    The Four Point Committee Approach
    The following committees meet on a monthly basis to complete annual work plans, which are created to guide activities and provide a yardstick for success of the organization. 
    Organization– This committee is charged with building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process. They work to market Main Street and its goals to the community and recruit new volunteers and members.
    Promotion– Marketing downtown’s assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors is the main role of this committee.  This group also works to market the downtown as a “fun” and exciting place to visit and shop through annual events and retail promotions.
    Design– This group works toward enhancing the physical appearance of downtown by capitalizing on its assets and heritage. Rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging sensitive new construction, developing design management systems, and long term planning fall under Design.
    Economic Restructuring – This committee works toward strengthening downtown’s economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities for development.  The group looks at ways to improve retail mix, build a stronger tax base, and create a stable role for the downtown as a major component of the community’s economic health. 
    The Main Street Philosophy
    Comprehensive– An ongoing series of initiatives is vital to build community support and create lasting progress.
    Incremental– Small projects make a big difference; they demonstrate that “things are happening” and hone the skills and confidence necessary to tackle more complex problems.
    Self-Help– Only local leadership can initiate long-term success by fostering and demonstrating community involvement and commitment to the revitalization effort.
    Public/private partnership – Main Street requires the support and expertise of both the public (local government) and private (businesses and residents) sectors.  For an effective partnership, each must recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the other.
    Identifying and capitalizing on existing assets – Local assets provide the solid foundation for a successful Main Street initiative.
    Quality– From storefront design to promotional campaigns to special events, quality must be the main goal.
    Change– Changing community attitudes and habits is essential to bring about revitalization.  A carefully planned Main Street program will help shift public perceptions and practices to support and sustain the revitalization process.
    Action-oriented– Frequent, visible changes in the look and activities of the commercial district will reinforce the perception of positive change.  Small, but dramatic improvement will remind the community that the revitalization effort is underway. 
  • Reagan Run 5K set for July 6



    More than 1,500 participants are expected for the annual Reagan Run 5K on Saturday, July 6 in downtown Dixon. The traditional race that is part of Dixon's Petunia Festival draws runners and walkers alike and has developed into the premier 5K race in the Sauk Valley area.

    The race begins at 8 a.m. with the start line located just steps away from Ronald Reagan's Boyhood Home, 810 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon. The unique course takes runners through downtown Dixon, across the Rock River, through wooded paths and finishes in Haymarket Square in the downtown. Racers continue to rave year after year about this classic and fun course that offers a changing landscape as you run.

    The race is a benefit that helps several groups in Dixon including: The Dixon Athletic Boosters, Dixon Main Street, Dixon Park District and the Dixon YMCA Strong Kids.

    Online registration is available at www.getmeregistered.com or www.reaganrun.com. Early race packet pickup will be Friday, July 5 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Dixon Family YMCA. Race Day Registration can be done up until 7:30 a.m. on the morning of the race at Haymarket Square. No registrations will be available at the start line at the Reagan Home.

    For more information, call Dixon Main Street at 815-288-2308.

    Related Events
            Kids Fun Run (For kids 9 and under)
                    1.             Saturday, July 6, 2013 7:30 a.m.
                    2.             Registration ends at 7:15 a.m.
                    3.             Free t-shirts to the first 100 registrants
            KSB Corporate Challenge
                    1.             Run in conjunction with the Reagan Run
                  2.         Requires five participants from the same company

    History of the Event and Previous Winners
            1.     2000 -- 315 runners & walkers
                    Male winner Bryan Glass - Female Tasha Atchley
            2.     2001 - 326 runners & walkers
                    Male winner Bryan Glass (2 time winner) - Female Jessica Schauff
            3.     2002 - 337 runners & walkers
                    Male winner Ken Lauff - Female Ellie Pinzarrone
            4.     2003 - 402 runners & walkers
                    Male winner Anthony Welty - Female Jessica Schauff (2 time winner)
            5.     2004 – 532 runners & walkers
                    Male winner Andy Tremble - Female Jessica Schauff (3 time winner)
            6.     2005 - 556 finishers (572 entries)
                    Male winner Anthony Welty (2 time winner) - Female Jessica Schauff (4 time winner)
            7.     2006 - 720 finishers (605 entries)     Fun Run - 126
                    Male winner Andy Tremble (2 time winner) - Female Barb Lauff
            8. 2007 - 744 finishers (804 entries)         Fun Run – 123 entrants/108 finishers
                    Male winner Kel Bond - Female Terah Cheatham
            9. 2008 – 827 finishers
    Male winner Anthony Welty (3 time winner) - Female Terah Cheatham (2 time winner)
            10.  2009  – 1,102  finishers (1,175 entries)
                    Male winner Bryan Glass (3 time winner) - Female Jessica Langford
            11. 2010 – 1,155  finishers
                    Male winner Paul Zeman - Female Jessica Langford (2 time winner) 
                12. 2011 - 1475 finished; 1580 entries; Male winner:  Andrew Jellema; Female winner - Jessica       Langford (3 time winner)

                      13. 2012 - 1380 finished; 1492 entries; Male winner:  Paul Zeman (2 time winner); Female winner -             Jessica Langford (3 time winner)



  • Garage Sales Listing -- April 26-27

    Dixon Community Wide Garage Sales 00 April 26-27. A full listing is also available in the Telegraph newspaper on Thursday, April 25. Copies and city maps are available at Books on First, Waterfront Gifts and Butcher Block Antiques in downtown Dixon.


    1. 131 North Court. --  Sale to benefit Shining Star. Thousands of items including new hardware, lawn, and household items donated by Do It Best. Bake Sale. Door Prizes.

    2. 2059 Lowell Park Rd. -- Baby boy clothes, toy's, cleaned out closet, lots of miscellaneous.

    3. 228 Summit Ave. -- Tanning bed, and yoga supplies, and furniture, Plant sale, tools, and books, camping equipment, Jewelry, collectables and more!

    4. 1112 South Galena Ave -- Three Estates of items old and new, Furniture, House ware, and tools, lots a miscellaneous.

    5. 1318 Eustace Dr. -- Queen Ann Cherry dining room suite with 8 chairs and china cabinet. Decorating item. Baby things.

    6. 1703 W 9th St. -- electric single bed - Rascal electric cart, grill and dishes, electric appliances, TV, and kitchen table, miscellaneous house ware, ladies clothes 18- 20.

    7. 1901 W 4th St. -- Estate sale antiques, and ladies clothes, electric rascal cart, house ware - dishes- pans, clothes, and grill, suit case, miscellaneous tools, and a lift chair, drapes.

    8. 113 S. Hennepin Ave. -- Spring cleaning at Wedding Whims! Lots of odds and ends. Baskets, loose stem, glassware, and candles, garters, etc. Too much to list!

    9. 208 Hand Avenue -- Boys and Girls 0-3T, Men's and women's clothes, Baby items, stroller, toys, Furniture and kitchen ware and crafts supplies, weight bench, glassware, bicycles and much more!

    10. 822 S. Galena Ave -- Girls 0-24mth, Lots of baby items, Boys 12-16 husky, Toys, Junior Girls & women's clothing, Misc. household items.


    11. 1404 W. 3rd St. -- Huge sale: Refrigerator, Furniture, Aquariums, Tools, Rascal Scooter, Ladders, Beer Signs, Oak Doors, Foosball Table,
                   Comics, Trays, 20 Tables Full.

    12. 802 Sheridan Ave. -- Nice clothing - Women's Plus, Children's 18 months-5T, and Juniors. Longaberger baskets, Pfaltzgraff dishes and much more!

    13. 518 2nd Avenue -- Multi-family: Furniture, clothes, collectibles, books, and more!


    14. 501 Vitale St. -- Baby clothes, name brand girls junior clothes, recliners. Lots of nice Miscellaneous items sale Friday only.


    15. 466 IL Rt 2 -- Great Sale! Men's size 17 dress shirts and pants, girls juniors clothes, computers, printers, electronics, misc.


    16. 1420 South College Ave. -- Five homecoming dresses, New books, Clothing teen through adults, dishes, nice jewelry, candle warmers and much more!

    17. 419 W Graham St. --  Huge selection men's 4XL clothing and young men's medium and large clothing, King size headboard, 36 "console T.V.", Much miscellaneous!

    18. 1312 W 9th St. -- Antiques- Lots of old stuff, Crocks, Furniture, Men's Jeans, Trucks, DVD's, Camps and more!

    19. 1305 N. Jefferson Ave. -- Stone ware, bowl collection, Bird cages, cuckoo clocks, hot tub, miscellaneous.

    20. 174 Deer Chase. -- Boys and Girls clothing, house hole items, Super saucer, and lots more!

    21. 1225 Brigadoon Dr. -- 2 family sale - Antiques, collectables, house ware, Books and much more!

    23. 1109 Tee St. -- Three Households sale, Fourteen inch band saw a Delta, Router, Chain Saw, Power Miter box, Lots of everything Odds and Ends!

    24. 1715 W. 1St. -- Boys clothes 3-5T, 50 HP Boat Motor 220 Air compressor, Tools, love seat, queen canopy frame.

    25. 222 Summit Ave. -- Huge moving sale - Multi- Family, everything must go! -2 Sofa sets, End tables, futon chair, kit. table, lawn mower. T.V.. Little tikes - etc. 

    26. 401 Apple St. -- Car top ski rack, antique dresser, tables, lamps, milk glasses, infant car seat, graduation gowns, wall art, speakers, barware, collectibles, dolls.

    27. 1523 W. 1St. -- Inside House sale. rocker, sofa, end tables, pits, lamps, fans ,3 drawer, wicker chest (16 worps) fiesta dishes.

    28. 322 W. 10th St. -- Fridge, kids picnic table w/ umbrella, sand/water table, small bike, Tinker bell table, girls clothes size 4-8 lots of misc.

    29.519 N. Ottawa Ave. -- Household items, Clothes, Shoes, miscellaneous. All proceeds benefit Brittney Dixon Memorial dance scholarship fund!

    30. 615 E. Chamberlin -- Spotting scope, Hummel plates, Micke, Chair, Ottoman, Crossley record player, tools, home decor, toddler bed, adult and teen and kids clothing.

    31. 708 West 2nd St. -- Clothes NB- Adult, Baby items, Household, toys, bedding, towels, camping items, and misc.

    32. 1523 W. 2nd St. -- Nintendo Wii, Ping Pong table, Men's and women's clothes, Tables and chair, Misc.

    33. 301 Fieldstone LN. -- Tools, Fishing equipment, Furniture, aquariums, Old cameras, 8mm Projections, Christmas decor and lots of misc.   

    34. 1605 Washington Ave. -- Kitchen items, decor, furniture, outdoor items, books, children's clothes& toys, military items, adult clothes.

    35. 640 2nd Ave. -- Baby items, toys, kitchen supplies, home decor, women's clothing, scrubs, stroller, and more!!

    36. 801 S. Galena.-- Longaberger items, Juniors name brand clothing, household items, Men's and women's clothing, movies, lots of miscellaneous items. Check us out!

    37. 923 Washington Ave. -- Nuts, bolts, screws, handles, knickknacks, trucks, cars, lots of garage misc.

    38. 511 Nachusa Ave. -- Trendy name brand clothing, Shoes, Purses, Knickknacks. Lots of miscellaneous items big and small!

    39. 317 N Dement Ave. -- Marble sink and vanity small size clothing 10 - 8 -6.

    40. 1020 Cooper St. -- Lots of misc. Beautiful new gently used girls clothing from 6mo. to size 8. alley entrance garage.

    41. 1418 Hemlock Ave.-- Multi family sale kids clothes and toys, motorcycle parts  and wear along with a lot of other things!

    42. 85 Logan Ave. -- Tools riding lawn mower, push mower some clothes lots of miscellaneous, porcelain collector dolls.

    43. 229 Eels Ave. -- Clothing : men's and women's, junior girls, 0-5t girls toys TV's weight machine, lawn furniture and lot of misc!

    44. 1115 Hemlock Ave. -- Moving sale, VHS, DVD, Stove, washer, dryer, refrigerator, Kids toys, Clothing, book, sleeping bags, glassware, crock pots, decoration, lots misc.

    45. 614 Vanburen Ave. -- wildfire 150 scooter, snow blower, ,T.V., yard & hand tools, cabinets, Men's clothing 36x30. Dishes, Books, misc.

    46. 1407 Douglas Terrace. -- Collectors items, old puzzles, pencils, lead bullets, pens, play card, games cappentry items, many other antiques.

    47. 1203 Chicago Ave -- Children and adult clothing, toys, misc household items, Weber grill, children's books, golf clubs T.V.

    48. 1915 Meadowview circle -- Baby and women's items, household items, furniture and more!

    49. 519 Heather LN-- Clothes infant- adult, books, T.V., Christmas decoration, Knick knacks, Food Processor, VHS Kids movies, toys and much more!

    50. 2302 W. 3rd St. -- Antiques, Bulls and sports auto's, Nascar, tools, crafts, Sport and Actor collectibles. Many new items and much more!

    51. 442 River Bluff Dr. -- Girls and boys clothes, toys, partylite, home decor, seasonal items, lots of misc. Something for everyone!

    52. 523 Logan Ave.-- Baby/kids clothes, Girls NB- 3t, boy Nb- 9mths, young adult brand name clothes M/F medium - xl, toys, baby accessories, T.V. & stereo and more!

    53. 419 N Hennepin Ave. -- Baby Girl items newborn - 2t, Handbags, Longaberger, Boy Clothes size 4-5, women's shoes and clothes, futon, women's bike, misc.

    54. 131 N. Court - Behtel Ministry center-- Huge sale on Saturday only! Benefits Relay For Life!

    55. 1108 Tee Street. -- 30" Samsung HD CRITV. Yamaha 100 III. Bass head, Aesis youth riding Helmet, Collectables, 1929 Berkey and Gay dinning set and buffet, nice household goods!

    56. 319 Dunglas Ave. -- 3 Family sale, Clothes, shoes, toys, baby items.

    57. 316 Crawford -- Books! Books! Newer, mystery, thrillers, and more. Hardcover and paperback. Rack of women's clothes LRG-X --50 cents each.

    58. 1135 Steinman St. -- Girls NB -18months, Boys NB to 4T, name brand and very clean, toys, crib set, junior clothes, baby accessories, misc.

    59. 559 Palmyra Road -- 5 family sale! Clothes, furniture, Christmas decorations, household items, huge sale, very clean, much more!

    60. 1204 Beech Drive --  Saturday Only. Toddler bed w/mattress, ladybug crib bedding, girls clothes 12 months-2T, women's clothes M,L, toys, misc. decor
  • Petunia Festival 2013 Announcements -- Spin Doctors to Headline






    The board of directors of the Dixon Petunia Festival is pleased to announce the 49th annual Dixon Petunia Festival.  The festival has earned the reputation of the finest local festival in the area and we are pleased to announce the major acts and activities for this year’s festival.  The dates of the festival will run from July 3rd until July 7th.

    Dixon Petunia Festival Board
                    The Dixon Petunia Festival is a Non-Profit organization with an all-volunteer board.

    Continuing Partnership
                    We are pleased to announce that the Petunia Festival has partnered up with Dixon Main Street again this year to work on festival activities together.  The two groups share a common bond of promoting the city through similar activities so it made sense to both organizations to continue in this partnership.  Josh Albrecht and his team have joined us to put together a festival that will provide a great time for all citizens of the area.

    New This Year
                    We are pleased to announce that we are moving the entertainment and food venues from the previous location in the page park area to the downtown area along the Heritage Riverfront.  The festival will be held in an area on River Road between Peoria and Galena and on Hennepin from First Street to River Road.  We will be featuring a main entertainment stage across River Road near the Dixon Tourism building and will have a tent set up on River Road for seating.  Also new this year is the Peoria Street Bridge will be closed after the parade until after the fireworks.  This will provide easy access between the downtown and the carnival area and will also create a new spot to watch fireworks.  The reasons for this change are many:
    ·         The success of the Mumford and Sons tour proved that the downtown venue can work and in fact we received a lot of feedback stating that we should look to do something similar
    ·         One of the challenges in the past couple of years of the festival has been the comment that people would prefer not to pay the festival admission charge to just attend the carnival.  The carnival will remain at its current location in front of the High School and will not be part of this year’s admission charge.
    ·         Our continuing partnership with Dixon Main Street which has allowed us to work with the downtown vendors to put the riverfront venue together.

    Entertainment
                    The Petunia Festival prides itself on having the best entertainment in the area and in 2013 we have done it again. 

                    WEDNESDAY
    Wednesday Night July 3rdwe will kick off the entertainment with our Country Concert on the new river front stage with “Back Country Roads” opening for “Brushfire”. Brushfire is burning up the country music scene as they are fresh off of their victory at the BATTLE FOR THE SADDLEat Nashville, Tennessee’s legendary Wildhorse Salon in early 2012. Out of the over 300 national bands that entered, Brushfire was dubbed the champ. Since that time they have shared the stage with many country music legends as they continue to make a name for themselves.  For more info go to http://brushfireband.com

    THURSDAY
     Thursday July 4th the stage will be rocking from noon to midnight with a wide variety of musicians including the “Woodlawn Academy bands”, “Tristan Bush”, “Burn N’ Bush” during the day. At night, the stage will feature local blues/rock band “Robbie LeBlanc and the Real Live Show”.
     Headlining the Fourth of July will be “Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo.”  Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo received "first round Grammy nominations in 2011 for “Blues Album of the Year” and “Best New Artist” they’ve been skyrocketing towards a nationwide breakout. They also had the distinct pleasure of being named WAMI Blues Artist of the Year (2012). A Madison Favorite the last four years as voted on by Isthmus Newspaper readers and taking home 6 MAMA awards in 2010 & 2011 including the coveted Artist of the Year has been a testament to the bands success in a very short period of time. Their debut full length album “It Ain’t Easy,” (Won Blues/Rock Album of the Year 2010- Real Blues Magazine). For more information, go to aaronwilliamsandthehoodoo.com

    FRIDAY
    Friday night we are proud to have Dixon’s own “Gina Venier and the Gentlemen” taking the stage. Fresh off her winning the Bar 1 Big Break competition in Chicago last year, Gina has been playing her "blue-eyed soulful pop music" throughout the Chicagoland. More info available at www.ginavenier.com.
    Friday night finishes up with crowd favorite "Dot Dot Dot". They have been rocking the Chicago area since 2007. "The co-ed quintet may be familiar to some as finalists on FOX TV’s “American Idol” spin-off show, “The Next Great American Band,” during its 2007 season. High-profile shows have followed, including appearances at the Sundance Film Festival, a VH1 Save the Music benefit, events for WGN, T-Mobile, Victoria’s Secret, Wrigley, and an invite to perform at President Obama’s 2010 “Moving America Forward” rally in Chicago." More info at their website www.dotdotdotonline.com.


    SATURDAY
    Saturday will be another full day of live music with a little something for everyone.  Artist that day include great local talent with “Acoustic Circus”, “Trippin Molly”, and the “Noyz Boyz”.
    Headlining on Saturday night is famed  alternative/blues legends the “Spin Doctors”.
    The Spin Doctors first burst onto the scene in 1991 with the album Pocket Full of Kryptonite which would eventually go triple platinum and had breached the Top Five among Billboard Pop Albums while spinning off two major hit singles: "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" and the No. 1 Rock radio song of 1993, "Two Princes." Ultimately, Pocket Full Of Kryptonite sold over five million copies in the US and another five million overseas.
    Recently, the Spin Doctors announced the upcoming release of their latest album "If the River Was Wiskey". According to their website, it is "the blues album the band was always meant to make, and their confidence shows, as they give the songs lots of room to breath and let the tracks come alive via the road-tested musicianship of Chris Barron (vocals), Aaron Comess (drums), Eric Schenkman (guitar) and Mark White (bass). With no overdubs, irreverent lyrics, soulful drums and guitar licks that are on fire, ‘If The River Was Whisky' captures lightning in a bottle and further cements Spin Doctors' reputation as a live act to be reckoned with. Perhaps Schenkman puts it best: "we've been playing together for 25 years & we're all badasses!" Listen to streaming samples, here: https://soundcloud.com/spin-doctors/sets/if-the-river-was-whiskey-album"
    For more information, go to www.spindoctors.com

    SUNDAY
    Sunday afternoon we kick off with festival favorites  “Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers” followed up by “South of Disorder” a Jimmy Buffett tribute band from suburban Chicago that is sure to please Parrot Heads and festival goers of all ages. The group boasts an 11-piece band that will entertain the crowds up until we raffle off the Harley and light the fireworks!


    TIME
    Wednesday, July 3
    9:30 - 11:30
    Brushfire
    6:30-8:30
    Back Country Roads



    Thursday, July 4
    9:30- 11:30
    Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo
    6:30 - 8:30
    Robbie LeBlanc & the Real Live Show
    2:00 - 6:00
    Burn N Bush and Tristian Bushman
    12:00 - 1:30
    Woodlawn Academy Bands



    Friday, July 5
    9:30- 11:30
    Dot Dot Dot
    6:30 - 8:30
    Gina Venier and the Gentlemen



    Saturday, July 6
    9:30 - 11:30
    Spin Doctors
    6:30 - 8:30
    Noyz Boyz
    3:30 - 5:30
    Trippin Molly
    12:00 - 2:30
    Acoustic Circus



    Sunday, July 7
    6:00 - 9:00
    South of Disorder
    3:00 - 5:00
    Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers


    Taste at the Petunia Festival
                    This year an effort has been made to bring  more local food vendors to the Taste Trail at the Petunia Festival .  Many familiar local food vendors will be joining us at the Riverfront area.  Vendors will be featured throughout the grounds.

    Returning Favorites
                    Many favorite events are returning to the festival this year.  Those include the North American Midway Entertainment Carnival with great rides for all ages, the area’s best Fireworks display, the 14th Reagan 5K run, the men’s garden club annual pancake breakfast, the 7th annual Petunia Festival bags tournament, Elks Lodge poker tournament, the annual patriotic municipal band concert on the court house lawn, the community Church service, the Elks fishing derby, Art Show, and much more!  Also bingo will be back but will be at a new location, the Dixon Elks Lodge.  This venue offers climate control and more accessible parking.

    Family Fun
                    This year the festival offers lots of family fun where there will be family fun activities and on Sunday, July 7 a free admission day to the riverfront festival area with bands playing on the main stage, great food and of course for the grand finale of the festival - the area’s best fireworks display.

                    A new family event will be the Brush, Bloom, and Boom painting competition for all ages in downtown Dixon. The event will use First Street as the canvas as budding artists will help us decorate the downtown for the Petunia Festival. On Thursday, July 4 starting at Noon, artists will paint 4 foot by 4 foot squares. Winners will be announced with prizes of Carnival wristbands and downtown gift certificates. Registration is just $10 per square. Open to all ages!

    Parade
                    The parade keeps getting bigger and better and this year will be no different and will be held on July 7th.  This year’s theme is “Looking fine for 49”.  There will be plenty of floats and music to satisfy all parade goers.

    Fundraiser
                    One lucky winner will choose a 2013 Harley Davidson 110th Anniversary Special Limited Edition Super Glide Customer or $10,000 in cash.   Only 3500 tickets will be sold. Get tickets at the Dixon Main Street office or calling (888)441-7851, or visit us on the web at www.petuniafestival.org. Ticket prices for this fundraiser are as follows: 1 for $20, 3 for $50 and 7 for $100. The drawing will be held on Sunday night, July 7, 2013, at the Main Stage on the festival grounds at approximately 8:00 p.m. See the Harley on display before the festival at Ace Hardware in Dixon on the weekends and during the festival at numerous events and at the Riverfront. You can also visit the website for more pictures and complete details on the fundraiser.
    Costs and More Info
                    For all this entertainment and access to the festival grounds the cost is $5.00 for each day or $12.00 for all four days admission is charged.  For other ticket info and cost and for everything else petunia please go to www.petuniafestival.org.

    Volunteers
                    The Petunia Festival does not exist without the help of many hardworking volunteers.  Each year the festival only runs well because of these folks and we need your help.  Please consider giving four hours during the festival week to help out.  Go to our website or call 815-284-3361.

    Sponsors
                    The Petunia Festival is once again proud of all the companies who have signed up to be sponsors of the festival.  As with the volunteers we would not exist without their support.  There is still an opportunity to become a festival sponsor so contact us if interested.  We urge all festival goers to recognize and support our sponsors.
  • Garage Sales, Concerts, and much more!
    Greetings from Main Street ...
    LIVE & ACOUSTIC
    Thanks to presenting sponsorship by Edward Jones Investments Dixon Main Street is proud to bring Grammy nominated John Ford Coley (formerly of England Dan and John Ford Coley) & Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Terry Sylvester (formerly of the Hollies) together for a unique acoustic concert at the Historic Dixon Theatre on Saturday, March 23. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
    Tickets -- $12 in advance (available at www.dixontheatre.com, Venier Jewelers, Senior Center and by     phone at 288-2308). Dinner and a Show Packages Available through the Post House Ballroom for just $25.

    VOLUNTEER WINNERS
    Congratulations to Scott Brown of Wendler Engineering on winning the Volunteer of the Year Award and to Larry Dunphy of Books on First on winning the Cornerstone Award. Two great volunteers for Dixon Main Street and the community!

    SHOP TALK
    The next Shop Talk is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5 from 5 p.m.-6ish at Books on First. Topic is: Dude, Where's My Customers. Complimentary drinks and snacks. We are already 2 full months into the year, is your business on track?

    FOUNDERS DAY
    The annual Founders Day celebration in Dixon is coming up on April 11. The committee is meeting to come up with a great historical program on some of Dixon's early residents. We will also be handing out the Langan Award for Excellence in Local History and the McAlpine Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. The event will take place at the Dixon Historic Center. More details to come soon.

    CITY-WIDE GARAGE SALES
    The spring City-Wide Garage Sales dates are April 26-27. Registration form is available at www.dixonmainstreet.com.

    Other upcoming events ...
    Second Saturdays continues its monthly Art Happenings March 9
    www.second-saturdays.com

    Next Picture Show is planning their annual Art for Art's Sake fundraiser for March 2 at Sauk Valley Community College. Call 285-4924 for details.

    The Annual Rock River Valley Shamrock Parade is set for March 16 at 3 p.m. in Downtown Dixon. Head over to the KofC Hall after the parade for the annual post-parade party.