Dixon May Fair and Parade

Back in the day everyone in town went to the Parade.

Friends from neighboring towns (we were all towns back then) came to see our special little hullabaloo.

I remember sitting on the curb with family standing behind as the many bands, floats and the May Fair Queen and her Court went down Main Street on their way to the Fair Grounds.

Highlights of my memories are Mexican dancing horses with riders wearing elaborate costumes riding in their saddles of silver. The train with the cannon that would scare the daylights out of us each time it was fired. Candies being thrown out into the crowd by the passing amusements. Clowns on small bikes and Shriners driving crazy little cars. I have vague memories (suppressed for a good reason) of being a pooper scooper in some haphazard and otherwise odd outfit.

Seeing William Hodge march the band down the avenue and then marching once again leading the Band.

If you were a real kid you got your first of the season (ouch) sunburn at the fair, ate too much cotton candy and candied apples. Creating a scene by taking to many carnival rides after ingesting way too much “food” and custom decorating the ride car or lawn with your friends looking on and laughing at you.

Carnies on the midway barking out their sometimes hilarious pitches trying to suck every last cent from your pocket before you used it for a corn dog.

Night time coming and the midway lights coming alive after the last hint of sunlight.

Wondering what it would be like to run away and join the carnival ... remembering the horror “stories” of the kids that did.

Willis Simpson and his wife putting up speakers and hooking up amplifiers for the various P.A. systems throughout the fairgrounds, judging rings, auction areas and Parade. Working with Charlie Larson stacking his JBL speakers for the concerts in 1978-79.

These memories are neither crisp nor clear but warm and fuzzy painted like a dreamscape in my mind.

If you are a parent help your children to realize the fun and excitement of a truly wonderful time in Dixon and their lives.

Have fun and see you there!

Gary Erwin