Newcomers Invited to Hall Park 4th Celebration

Are you new to Dixon?
When I first moved to Dixon, it took me a little while to figure out that Dixon is like a triangle not a rectangle. I used to drive from the Dixon Tribune to the fast food section of town as a change from grabbing fruit across the street at the Pardi Market and always wind up in some unfamiliar neighborhood. Or, I’d land at Hometown Market (now Viva) and couldn’t figure out when I drove two blocks A Street and turned down to Adams, that I still wound up on North First.

It wasn’t until the friendly Chamber Newcomer Representative gave me a Newcomer’s Packet and showed me the map of Dixon, that I really got a handle on things. That is why several years later, and while my last child was a baby, that I enjoyed making up Newcomer’s Packets and delivering them to folks who had recently moved here.

I warned them about the air sirens for our Volunteer Fire Department and about the Santa visits down the neighborhood streets at Christmas time. And , it was fun telling them about all the great businesses in town like Dr. Peter Timm, my favorite veterinarian out on Pedrick Road and Dixon Family Chiropractic, who provided me with little backbone key chains to distribute. It was a pleasure introducing new residents to our great little town via the Newcomers Program.

The Chamber has never given up the entire program and I have always told anyone I learned was new about the packets that await them at the Chamber but now the Chamber is reviving the program to its former glory and the Chamber members are sure to get even more value for their membership!

The packets include all a map, a business directory, information on all our clubs and organizations in town, and contacts for children’s programs such as Scouts, Soccer, T-balls, Karate and even music and dance. They will also include information, coupons, and I’m sure a key chain from the different merchants in town but the best part is there will be a concerted effort to find new residents and deliver the packets to ensure they receive them.

4th of July at Hall Park

And, if you are new to Dixon or not, there is an annual community event that you must make part of your new traditions here: The 4thof July Fireworks at Hall Park. I wish I could do a ‘before and after’ picture of this because the whole thing is pretty incredible. Imagine this big, beautiful, clean park at 3 pm on 4th of July. There will be a few families out picnicking and barbecuing so a Frisbee and a dog may be part of the scene.

Now fast forward to 9 pm. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of people scattered on blankets and lawn chairs on almost every square inch of the park. Neighbors and friends are in groups playing Frisbee or volleyball, there are zillions of children blowing bubbles or chasing dogs, and scores of teens flirting with other teens while their parents visit with long-time acquaintances. There are canopies by the public pool selling hot dogs, popcorn, or other goodies and there is music drifting around it all.

You will think you stepped right into an old Mayberry RFD sitcom or a time warp back to the 50s (I wasn’t alive then but loved the television show.) This will give you an idea of community life and it will be difficult to ever move back to a big city.

The fireworks show is free but you can always donate throughout the year to the Dixon Rotary Club who now sponsors the event. It costs several thousand dollars and your donations are worth it--I’ve never been disappointed yet in the length and the beauty of the sparkling show. Happy 4thof July and hope you all will be smart and safe bout your own little yard shows.

Public Invited to Help Clean Up Downtown

The Dixon Kiwanis Club members are once again hosting a downtown clean-up for Thursday, July 18, 8 -11 am. The public is invited to come out and lend a hand getting ready for the influx of 20,000 people to downtown Dixon for the annual Grillin' and Chilliin Rib and Chili Cook-off and Car Show on Saturday, July 20. If you have just even one hour and can push a broom or knock down cobwebs, your help would be appreciated.

We are in special need of blowers to help blow dirt off of buildings and sidewalks. Last time, our crew had only one and we fought over it because it was very effective and really cleaned everything out to the streets for the street sweeper to finish up. Wear sun visors and cool clothes. We will supply water, some brooms, extension cords for blowers, and positive, happy attitudes!

Last time, we greatly appreciated help from businessman Matt Swanson of Edward Jones, and Jennie and Trevor Bauman representing First Northern Bank among the dedicated Kiwanis Club members. The downtown looked its best for Dixon’s biggest event of the year. For more information, call Lorente at (707) 678-6079.

Have a safe 4th of July celebration! See you here next week.