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Enjoy the 52 Annual

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June 30th July 4, 2016

June 24, 2016

A marketing supplement of Sauk Valley Media

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Dixon Petunia Festival

nd Annual 2 5

Sauk Valley Media • June 24, 2016

50/50 Raffle Buy starting today and up through the end of the festival!

1 for $1 and 6 for $5.

Riverfront stages to feature

The Wailers, Catfight

and Trick Pony along with 15 other bands who are crowd pleasing favorites!

Ultimate Air Dogs Show Regional Qualifying Event

June 30 - July 4, 2016

Cruise-In Style Car Show on the Peoria Avenue Bridge

Daily Schedule of Events

Thursday, June 30 6am-11am............... Dixon High School Athletic Boosters Pancakes in the Park 12pm-3pm........................................................................... Bingo - Dixon Elks Club 5pm-10pm..............................North American Midway Entertainment Carnival 6pm.......................................................... Petunia Paint Party - Hosted by Roxie’s 7pm.....................................Barton Pipe Organ Concert - Historic Dixon Theatre 7:30pm ............................................................... Little Shop of Horrors - Stage Left 9pm......................................“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” Pop-Up Movie - Riverfront Friday, July 1 6am-11am .............. Dixon High School Athletic Boosters Pancakes in the Park 12pm-3pm .......................................................................... Bingo - Dixon Elks Club 4pm-11pm .............................North American Midway Entertainment Carnival 5pm-11pm .............................................................................Taste Trail - Riverfront 5pm-7:30pm ...................................... Ice Cream Social - Old Courthouse Lawn 5pm-7pm ............................................. Family Fun Night - Old Courthouse Lawn 5pm .............................................. The Annual Dana Stonesifer Classic - Women 6pm ....................................................The Annual Dana Stonesifer Classic - Men 7pm ............................. Dixon Municipal Band Concert - Old Courthouse Lawn 7:30pm ............................................................... Little Shop of Horrors - Stage Left Entertainment 5:30pm-6:30pm .....................................................Pat Anderson - Reagan Stage 6:30pm-8:30pm .. Dexter O’Neal and the Funk Yard Band - Bud Light Main Stage 8:30pm-9:30pm .......................................................Burn N’ Bush - Reagan Stage 9:30pm ............................................................The Wailers - Bud Light Main Stage Saturday, July 2 6am-11am .............. Dixon High School Athletic Boosters Pancakes in the Park 8am-10am .......................Elk’s Fishing Derby - North Side between the bridges 8am ................................................................Registration - Reagan 5K Run/Walk 9am-3pm .....Pinky’s Not So Hidden Treasures ‘n’ More Craft Show - Loveland Building 9am-12pm ...................... Midland States Bank’s Kids Day - Washington School 9am-4pm ................................. 35th Annual “Nuts About Art” - John Dixon Park 11am-1pm ................................................................................... Ultimate Air Dogs 12pm.............................................................. 10th Annual Bean Bag Tournament 12pm-3pm .......................................................................... Bingo - Dixon Elks Club 12pm-11pm ...........................................................................Taste Trail - Riverfront 1pm-11pm .............................North American Midway Entertainment Carnival 3pm-5pm ..................................................................................... Ultimate Air Dogs 7:30pm ............................................................... Little Shop of Horrors - Stage Left SM-ST4004-0624

Entertainment 12pm-3pm .................................................... Pete’s Sake - Bud Light Main Stage 3:30pm-5:30pm ....................................... Lizzi Neal Band - Bud Light Main Stage 5:30pm-6:30pm ...................................................................Firefly - Reagan Stage 6:30pm-8:30pm .............................................. LAVA Rock - Bud Light Main Stage 8:30pm-9:30pm ..................................................Alex Fischbach - Reagan Stage 9:30pm ................................................................ Catfight - Bud Light Main Stage Sunday, July 3 6am-11am .............. Dixon High School Athletic Boosters Pancakes in the Park 9am ........................................................Community Worship Service - Riverfront 11am-1pm ................................................................................... Ultimate Air Dogs 1pm-11pm .............................North American Midway Entertainment Carnival 1pm .......................................................... “Dixon Pride” Parade - Peoria Avenue 3pm-11pm .............................................................................Taste Trail - Riverfront 3pm-5pm ..................................................................................... Ultimate Air Dogs Entertainment 12:30pm-3pm ..........................................................Bad Phoenix - Reagan Stage 3:30pm-5:30pm ......................................................... Z.T.S. - Bud Light Main Stage 5:30pm-6:30pm ..............................................Dirt Road Rockers - Reagan Stage 6:30pm-8:30pm ......................................... Jacob Bryant - Bud Light Main Stage 7:30pm-8:30pm ........................................................ Slick Trigger - Reagan Stage 9:30pm ..............................................................Trick Pony - Bud Light Main Stage Monday, July 4 6am-11am .............. Dixon High School Athletic Boosters Pancakes in the Park 10am-3pm ....................................Cruise-In Style Car Show - Peoria Ave. Bridge 11am-2pm ................................................... Brush, Bloom and Boom - First Street 11am-1pm ................................................................................... Ultimate Air Dogs 12pm-10pm ...........................................................................Taste Trail - Riverfront 1pm-10pm .............................North American Midway Entertainment Carnival 3pm-5pm ..................................................................................... Ultimate Air Dogs 9:30pm ....................................................................................................... Fireworks Entertainment 3:30pm-5:30pm .... Lyle Grobe & the Rhythm Ramblers - Bud Light Main Stage 6:30pm-8:30pm ..................... The Dave Chastain Band - Bud Light Main Stage

Entry Tickets needed: Friday, July 1, Saturday, July 2 & Sunday, July 3 Free Admission Day: Monday, July 4

For complete information or to purchase tickets visit

www.petuniafestival.org

June 24, 2016 • Sauk Valley Media

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Dixon Petunia Festival

Are you ready for some fun?

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Photos by Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Petunia Festivalgoers watch as the Ultimate Air Dogs Midwest Regional Qualifier takes over along the Dixon riverfront last year.

Ruby Burger, 5, of Dixon, makes handprints on her square on First Street during the Brush, Bloom and Boom event that took place last year.

he board of directors of the Dixon Petunia Festival is pleased to announce the 52nd Annual Dixon Petunia Festival. The festival has earned the reputation as the finest local festival in the area, being voted No. 1 Readers Choice in the Sauk Valley area, and we are pleased to announce the major acts and activities for this year’s festival, which will run from June 30 to July 4.

Continued Partnership We are pleased to announce that the Petunia Festival will partner with Dixon Main Street again this year to work on festival activities.

The two groups share a common bond of promoting the city through similar activi-

ties, and we are pleased to continue in this partnership.

The festival office continues to use the Main Street Office, which will serve as our official home base during the festival this year.

Entertainment The Petunia Festival prides itself on having the best entertainment in the area, and in 2016 we’ve done it again. This year, the festival is proud to announce that performing live on the Bud Light Main Stage on Friday, July 1, will be The Wailers.

Reggae music has never stopped evolving, but for millions of people from around the world it’s still defined by the songs of Bob Marley and The Wailers.

Their heartbeat rhythms have inspired so much of what’s followed since, as

evidenced by the enduring popularity of the “one-drop” reggae sound, and we are excited to bring that sound to this year’s festival on Friday night.

Saturday night’s headliner is Catfight, an all-girl band been called “The Darlings” of the Chicago cover band scene. From covering top artists of today, including Britney Spears, Icona Pop and OneRepublic, to playing classic favorites

by Prince and Queen, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Catfight’s pure fun, party show. Returning to the Dixon Petunia Festival on Sunday night will be the dynamic duo, Trick Pony and their opening act, Jacob Bryant. Both acts have a proven track record in the country music scene and put on highoctane shows that are sure

to get your feet moving. For more information and to see a full entertainment lineup, go to www.petuniafestival. org.

New this year Petunia Paint Party – We are excited to announce that Roxie’s will be sponsoring a Petunia Paint Party on the Riverfront on Thursday, June 30. Painting parties have become a very popular trend in our community, and we are looking forward to adding this event to our festival lineup. Come paint a 10x10 canvas of a pre-drawn petunia for $25 for everyone ages 8 and up. There is a limit to the number of people for this event, so be sure to visit roxiesdowntown.com for more information.

FUN continued on 44

We Wish You a Safe & Happy 4th of July!

Carroll County Fair August 9-13 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY AUGUST AUGUST AUGUST AUGUST AUGUST 9TH 10TH 11TH 12TH 13TH Illini State Antique Pullers & Tractor Parade Tri-County at 5:30 PM Pullers Inc. Badger State starting at Tractor Pullers 7:00 PM at 7:00 PM Kid’s Day 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Ag Dylan Lunatic Demo Olympics Scott at Derby at 7:30 PM Kid’s Day 5:30 - 7:00 PM 7:30 PM RaeLynn 1:00 – 5:00 PM Talent Show Raelynn at 9:00 PM 8:00 PM Kid’s Night 5:00 – 10:00 PM

28374 MILLEDGEVILLE ROAD ALL EVENTS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS, MILLEDGEVILLE, IL

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ENJOY THE FESTIVIAL! 900 N. Galena Ave., Dixon, IL • 815-288-7841 • www.acehardwaredixon.com Hours: Monday-Friday 7-7, Saturday & Sunday 8-5 www.acerentalplacedixon.com

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Sauk Valley Media • June 24, 2016

Dixon Petunia Festival

FUN

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Barton Pipe Organ Concert Have an ear for all things musical, or just enjoy the sound of a beautiful pipe organ in a beautiful setting?

Well either way, this event is for you. Stop by the Historic Dixon Theatre on Thursday, June 30, at 7 p.m. to hear professional musician Glenn Tallar make magical music on the pipe organ. Tallar is the resident organist at the Chicago Theatre and entertains thousands in venues from the Midwest to California. This will be an event for all ages that you won’t want to miss.

Family Movie Night Outdoor showing of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. We invite you to come enjoy this classic comedy that has been making millions of viewers laugh for the past 30 years on Thursday, June 30, at 9 p.m. on Dixon’s beautiful

Riverfront.

Partnership with Stage Left We are pleased to partner with Dixon Stage Left theater group as it performs “The Little Shop of Horrors”, with showtimes scheduled throughout festival week.

The ‘60s Motown sound will have your toes tapping, but you’ll never look at a petunia the same way again!

Pancakes in the Park We are excited to announce the return of Pancakes in the Park this year, hosted by the Dixon High School Athletic Boosters. Come down and enjoy pancakes every morning during the festival from 6 to 11 a.m. at the pancake tent on Page Drive.

Taste Trail This year, come down to the festival to enjoy good eating from past Festival favorites along with some new ones to the Taste at the Petunia Festival area. Many great

selections of food will be available at the riverfront area. Vendors will be spread throughout the festival area to provide plenty of great food choices to the hungry festival-goers.

Venue for Festival The setup will be the same as the past 3 years, with the festival being held in an area on River Street between Peoria and Galena avenues and on Hennepin Avenue from First to River streets.

Again we will feature the Bud Light Main Stage across River Street near the Dixon Welcome Center building, and the Reagan Statue Stage on River Street and Hennepin Avenue. We’ll have tents and picnic tables set up on River Street for seating. Another popular feature of the recent festival was the decision to leave the carnival in front of Dixon High School. Once again, there will be no charge to enjoy the carnival grounds.

Parade The parade keeps getting better, and this year will be no different. The parade will be held Sunday, July 3, at 1 p.m.

This year’s parade theme is “Dixon Pride”. There will be plenty of floats and music to satisfy all parade-goers. This year, we are proud to welcome back The Jesse White Tumblers and the Next Generation Fancy Drill Team.

Returning Favorites Many favorite events will be returning to the festival this year, including the North American Midway Entertainment Carnival (great rides for all ages), the area’s best fireworks display (accompanied by special music selections), the 10th Annual Petunia Festival bags tournament, Ultimate Air Dogs, Cruise-In Style Car Show, the annual patriotic Dixon Municipal Band Concert following Family Fun Night on the Old Courthouse Lawn, the community church service, the

Elks fishing derby, Reagan 5K Run, Nuts about Art Show and much more!

Also, Bingo will be back at its new location: The Dixon Elks Lodge. This venue continues to be very popular and will again offer climate control, accessible parking and food and refreshments for purchase. The popular craft show will be held July 2 in the air-conditioned comfort of the Loveland Community Building.

Fundraiser This year, we are pleased to announce the return of the big Petunia Festival 50/50 raffle. Ticket prices for the fundraiser are 1 for $1, and 6 for $5. The drawing will be Monday evening, July 4, at the Bud Light Main Stage, before the fireworks. You do not need to be present to win. You can purchase tickets during the festival at numerous events, or under the pink tent at the riverfront Taste Trail. All proceeds benefit the Dixon Petunia Festival, a

nonprofit organization. The winner is responsible for all applicable taxes and fees.

Family Fun This year, the festival offers plenty of family fun.

In addition to family movie night, there will be a number of family-friendly events.

On Friday night, July 1, in partnership with the Dixon Family YMCA, we again offer Family Fun Night with a large variety of kids games at the old Lee County Courhouse lawn. This year the event will include a “Touch a Truck” event for all to get hands-on with big rigs. This event is in conjunction with the yearly Ice Cream Social and Municipal Band Concert.

Saturday, July 2, features Midland States Bank Kids Day at Washington School and Ultimate Air Dogs on Lincoln Statue Drive. Sunday, July 3, presents the opportunity for families to enjoy Ultimate Air Dogs and the “Dixon Pride” parade.

ENJOY THE 2016 PETUNIA FESTIVAL!

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June 24, 2016 • Sauk Valley Media

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Monday, July 4, offers families not only free admission into the festival grounds, but they also can enjoy the 2nd Annual Cruise-In Style Car Show on the Peoria Avenue Bridge from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Brush, Bloom and Boom event. This event is a family favorite running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can purchase a 4-footby-4-foot square for $10 to paint – and of course ending the night with the area’s best fireworks display.

Costs and more info For all this entertainment and access to the festival grounds the cost is $5 for each day or $12 for all 3 days admission is charged.

For other ticket info and cost and for everything else Petunia Festival please go to www.petuniafestival.org.

Volunteers The Petunia Festival does

not exist without the help of many hardworking volunteers. Each year the festival runs well only because of these folks, and we need your help. Please consider giving 4 hours during the festival week to help out. Go to our website or call 815288-PINK (7465).

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 you’re interested. We urge all festival-goers to recognize and support our sponsors.

Dixon Petunia Festival

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Carnival Thrills

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he Dixon Petunia Festival is proud to partner once again with the North American Midway Entertainment Carnival Company to provide its outstanding carnival, which will be located in front of Dixon High School on Page Drive and in the cafeteria parking lot. The move to the High School parking lot was met with positive feedback from both the carnival company and the general public, so we will use that layout again this year.

With the largest carnival in the area, there are rides for all ages and everyone will find their old favorites along with some new and exciting rides this year.

Carnival goers can purchase tickets per ride or get the most for your money by purchasing an armband for unlimited rides.

Pre-sales at the Dixon Main Street office will offer carnival-goers discounts before the festival begins.

The carnival hours are: • Thursday, June 30, from 5 to 10 p.m.; • Friday July 1, from 4 to 11 p.m.; • Saturday, July 2, and Sunday, July 3, from 1 to 11 p.m.; • Monday, July 4, from 1 to 10 p.m.

Make your plans to enjoy the many thrills the carnival provides!

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Tianna Lonkert, 12, and Zach Bennett, 12, both of Dixon, ride the Scrambler at the Petunia Festival carnival last year.

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Dixon Petunia Festival

Sauk Valley Media • June 24, 2016

Family Fun Night has all the right stuff

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he festival has partnered once again with Kohl’s to bring family fun night back to the festival.

The family fun night is free for the entire family and includes such kids activities as Pick a Duck, Bottle Pitch, Memory Match, Face Painting and more! More new games will be introduced this year.

All this takes place on the Lee County Old Courthouse lawn and will be taking place during the annual Ice Cream Social and right before the Dixon Municipal Band Concert.

Fun, music and ice cream – all the ingredients for a great night of family fun!

Plenty of fun for the family at Petunia Festival

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he Petunia Festival is proud to offer many activities for families to enjoy during the festival. Check out the list of what is available.

• Pancake Breakfast • Petunia Paint Party for those 8 years and older • Barton Pipe Organ Concert at the Historic Dixon Theatre – free event • Carnival all throughout the weekend • “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” movie (rated PG-13) on the Riverfront – free event • Ice Cream Social

• Family Fun Night • Dixon Municipal Band Concert • Elks’ Fishing Derby • Reagan 5K Run • Midland’s State Bank Kid’s Day • Ultimate Air Dogs • Taste Trail, featuring 15 food vendors • The always great Petunia Festival Parade • Brush Bloom and Boom • Free admission to the Festival Grounds on Monday • And the grand finale, the Fireworks show on Monday night.

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Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Laura (from left), Gabe, 8, and Marc Valdez, all from Dixon, enjoy a ride on the Tilt-A-Whirl ride at the Petunia Festival last year along the Dixon riverfront.

June 24, 2016 • Sauk Valley Media

Dixon Petunia Festival

Community Worship Service a powerful experience

Come and be squares with a game of Bingo

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ingo fun will return to the Dixon Elks Club at 1279 Franklin Grove Road for a 3-day run during the Petunia Festival. The controlled climate and ease of parking is appreciated by everyone in attendance.

Bingo will be played Saturday, July 2, Sunday, July 3, and Monday, July 4, from noon to approximately 3 p.m.

The Elks Club kitchen and bar will be open to purchase great food and drinks. The doors will open at 10:30 a.m. and the kitchen will be ready to serve at that time.

The Bingo games are easy to play and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have as the games are played. The cost to play is as follows: Full packet: $8 Half packet: $5 Early bird sheet: $2 Intermission sheet: $2 “Last Chance Duo” sheet: $1 Bingo daubers: $2 No checks or large bills will be accepted for Bingo. You must be 18 years old to play or

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or the sixth year the Petunia Festival, in conjunction with the Dixon Area Christian Ministerial Association, brings the Community Worship Service to the festival and the area.

The past years have shown what a powerful experience it is worshiping the lord in a park setting along the Rock River.

Due to the increasing success of this event, we are pleased to announce that it will

be in the game area. No food or drink allowed to be carried in. Admission is free.

We love seeing new and returning Bingo friends and appreciate your support of this event each year! On behalf of the Dixon Elks Club and the Petunia Festival Board, we look forward to seeing you at Bingo again this year. It’s a fun event. Bring a friend!

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return for another year.

The worship service will take place on Sunday, July 3, starting at 9 a.m. on the Riverfront Main Stage on Heritage Riverfront in the festival grounds area.

Some seating is available, but lawn chairs are welcome.

Before or after the service, head on over to the pancake tent for a great breakfast!

Try your luck at winning this year’s raffle

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he Dixon Petunia Festival is excited for the return of its 50/50 raffle to this year’s festival.

Tickets are $1 each, or 6 for $5, and are on sale now and through July 4.

You can purchase these ticket at Dixon

Main Street at 115 S. Hennepin Ave.,or by calling 815-288-PINK (7465) or at www.petuniafestival.org. The drawing will be held Monday, July 4, at the Bud Light Main Stage on the Riverfront prior to the fireworks.

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Sauk Valley Media • June 24, 2016

Dixon Petunia Festival

Take your taste buds along the trail at Petunia Festival

Petunia Festival will go out with a bang

P

O

lease join us at the Festival Area for great food from the 15 food vendors, including four new vendors that are scheduled to participate in this year’s festival.

Food will be available in three locations within the festival area and will feature pizza, ice cream, cool drinks, tacos, corn dogs, elephant ears, and many other festival favorites.

Taste hours will be the same as the hours for the festival venue.

Make your plans to enjoy the many selections of food this year!

nce again the Dixon Petunia Festival is pleased to provide what many people call the best fireworks display in the area. This year is no exception, as we celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the festival with special music and fireworks displays.

Melrose Pyrotechnics, who provides the fireworks show, has an outstanding reputation in the country for its displays and is the company that provides the fireworks for the Chicago Navy Pier shows, the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Air and Water Show, and many other sites.

If you have not had a chance to listen to the synchronized music that accompanies the fireworks show, we strongly encourage you to do so. We have added more music on site at different locations in the festival seating area. Our friends at River Country Radio 101.7 FM provide the music during the show, and it makes the show even better.

The fireworks show will be the conclusion to another great festival and will begin at 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4.

A big thanks to ComEd for providing us the location to launch the fireworks.

Have a Fun Ti me at the Petunia Festival!

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June 24, 2016 • Sauk Valley Media

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Dixon Petunia Festival

Petunia Festival court eager to represent!

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The Dixon Petunia Festival is proud to announce the 2016 Festival Royalty: (from left to right) Pinky Petunia, Olivia Pultorak; King, Jarod White; Queen, Abrianna Montgomery; and Attendants, Katie Lawton and Katlyn Bay. The 2016 Dixon Petunia Festival will be held from June 30 to July 4. Read more at www.petuniafestival.org.

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ring a blanket, cushion or seat and join us Thursday, June 30, along Dixon’s beautiful riverfront to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of most well-received comedies in film history, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”

We bring to you a movie that has been making millions of viewers laugh for decades in a beautiful setting as an opportunity for families to come together and enjoy the evening. The movie is rated a mild PG-13 for some strong language and adult situations.

Thank you to Liberty Court for sponsoring light refreshments for all movie-goers to enjoy!

CO. CE IDE NT L

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Bueller? Bueller?

Take a ‘Day Off’ on the Riverfront

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119,000 in Premiums $

July 28-31

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hat do you get when you combine a dancer, golfer, runner, and a couple of bowlers?

One enthusiastic energized Petunia Festival Court!

The 2016 Petunia Festival Court is a combination of young ladies and a gentleman with diverse interests who have at least one thing in common – their love of the Dixon Petunia Festival.

Abrianna Montgomery, this year’s Petunia Festival Queen, says that she is most looking forward to the pancake breakfasts! Abri enjoys working with kids at the YMCA’s youth day camp programs and has shadowed at KSB Hospital. She is interested in a career in medicine.

This year’s King, Jarod White, has been involved with the Petunia Festival for years – most recently as a member of the midnight clean-up crew, a role he will be relinquishing this year in order to represent the festival during daylight hours. Jarod enjoys bowling, working at Culver’s, and participating in 4-H and Project GenNex. He is planning to pursue a career in meteorology.

Olivia Pultorak, best known for her prowess on the golf course, will be representing the festival as this year’s Pinky Petunia. Perhaps she can use her experience of going “undercover” as Pinky when she pursues her career goal of becoming a criminal investigator with the FBI!

Ask Attendant Katlyn Bay what she enjoys most about the festival and you’ll probably hear about her aunt. Katlyn’s aunt owns and operates Aunt TT’s food stand, which offers a roast beef sundae that has crowds lining up! Katlyn enjoys bowling and various musical pursuits. She plans to attend college to study speech/language pathology.

Katie Lawton, an avid runner, is also an attendant this year. She is really looking forward to participating in the Reagan Run – and enjoying some elephant ears! Her career goals include studying athletic training and physical therapy.

Watch for this year’s Court at various events throughout the Petunia Festival and in other local festival parades.

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Dixon Petunia Festival

Sweet treats and sweet sounds; what could be better?

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ho doesn’t love cool, creamy Schwan’s ice cream paired with some yummy homemade baked goodies?

If this so unds like the perfect combination to you, be sure to stop by the Old Lee County Courthouse lawn between 5 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 1, where local 4-H clubs – Dixon Wonder Workers and Palmyra Hillbillies – are hosting the Petunia Festival Ice Cream Social.

Scheduled in conjunction with Family Fun Night and just prior to the Dixon Municipal Band Concert (both free events), the annual Ice Cream Social offers a number of items for patrons to purchase – Schwan’s ice cream, delicious homemade treats made by local 4-Hers as well as ice cold water to beat the summer heat. Everything is priced at $1.

Many people comment that

the Fourth of July weekend is not complete without attending this annual event.

“The kids and parents really put a lot of effort into baking these treats!,” said Brenda Willett, Dixon Wonder Workers leader.

Brenda goes on to describe how proud the 4-H members are to see their donated sweets being enjoyed by so many event goers.

“Many of the kids have one of the cooking projects as a Lee County 4-H Fair project, so they are putting those skills to work as they prepare their donations for this event.”

While the Ice Cream Social has been hosted by the Dixon Wonder Workers for years, in 2014 the club reached out to the other Dixon 4-H club—the Palmyra Hillbillies—to ask for assistance.

“It was getting to be more than one club could handle,” Brenda commented.

This partnership has been great for both clubs, and means that the selection of items for sale is even more diverse. So if you are looking for a family friendly event, please make time to stop by the Ice Cream Social on Friday, July 1, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Hope to see you all there!

With Family Fun night going on at the same time, there will plenty for the whole family to enjoy.

The Dixon Municipal Band, which is celebrating its 84th year, will perform starting at 7 p.m. and will feature a great variety of patriotic and American favorites.

Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this slice of true American heritage.

Admission is free.

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Barton Pipe Organ concert at Historic Dixon Theatre

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usic from the ‘50s to the present hits, including your favorite show tunes and Disney classics, will be performed by organist Glenn Tallar at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at Historic Dixon Theatre.

Tallar was raised around a theatre pipe organ being installed in his family home.

His family has always been interested in the organ, from roller rinks to pizza parlors. So it was no question that he was going to be “bit by the bug”.

At an early age, Glenn started playing the keys while he still couldn’t reach the pedals. He took organ lessons from various instructors in music stores.

Starting at age 14, he took on his first professional job of playing at a pizza parlor. He can still be heard there on Tuesday and Friday nights, entertaining family crowds with notable movie themes and pop music.

Glenn is also the resident organist at the Chicago Theatre. Other performances have included venues from the Midwest to California.

Not only is he talented

The

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at the keys, but his craftsmanship behind the scene is also a gift. From an early age, Glenn has been working on his family pipe organ. Once he knew the basic of how to keep the instrument going, Glenn started work on Beggars Pizza organ and other organs in which they needed extra hands. This is where he met Jeff Weiler (prganist, restoration, installer, organ consultant) and started working for him and learned other mechanical design to help further his knowledge.

In 2014, Glenn started taking on his own clients and formed GT Organ Associates. He has organ clients all over the Midwest and Arizona.

Pinky’s Not So Hidden Treasures ‘n’ More Craft Show

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he Dixon Petunia Festival is once again partnering with the Loveland Community Building this year to bring you a craft and vendor show in the comfort of an air-conditioned location.

Between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, July 2, stop and visit Pinky’s Not So Hidden Treasures ‘n’ More Craft Show at the Loveland Community House, 513 W. Second St., and shop for bargains from local and nationally known vendors, as well as talented crafters selling homemade wares.

BARN TOUR WHITESIDE COUNTY I•L•L•I•N•O•I•S

JULY 9-10, 2016 Saturday, July 9th 9am to 5pm Sunday, July 10th 9am to 3pm

Tour Information • Admission is $20 per vehicle. Price includes booklet and tour map.

• Tour starts at 1st Barn site of Dennis & LaVerle Kyarsgaard, 24120 Emerson Rd., Sterling • Whiteside County Cattleman’s Association will have lunch available on the tour route both days.

www.whitesidecountybarntour.org

June 24, 2016 • Sauk Valley Media

Dixon Petunia Festival

A parade to truly take ‘Pride’ in

Air dogs set to make another splash at festival

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e are excited about the return of the Ultimate Air Dogs this year to the Dixon Petunia Festival. This free event is a must see for anyone who loves water and dogs!

The Ultimate Air Dogs started making a splash in 2005, when the father-andson team of Milt and Brian Wilcox created these family events with an encouraging spirit of welcoming all competitors. This event will be a regional qualifier for the larger qualifying show to be held at a later date.

The competition will be held on the north side of the river on Lincoln Statue Drive. There will be several shows on Saturday, Sunday and Monday for you and your family to enjoy. Go to www.petuniafestival.org for

T

his year’s annual parade will make its way down Peoria Avenue on Sunday, July 3. Our theme for this 52nd Annual Petunia Festival Parade is “Dixon Pride.”

We have chosen the 201516 boys basketball team at Dixon High School as this year’s grand marshal, for its back-to-back conference championships, a first for the school since World War II. We put many hours into planning the parade and are always looking for inspiration to make it more fun and exciting, and this year is no different. The Jesse White Tumblers return to this year’s parade, as does the Chicago performance group Next Generation Fancy Drill Team and The

all the times and information.

The Ultimate Air Dogs welcome any dogs to participate – from Yorkies to great danes and anything in between. If your dog is an above average swimmer, you can try this event out. The dogs in the competition will be jumping off a dock into a large swimming pool to see who can jump the farthest.

Most dogs are able to jump between 1 and 30 feet!

Please remember that while this is a family event, the competing dog handlers take this seriously. Spectators are not allowed to touch the dog competitors nor enter their holding areas.

For more information and all the rules please go to www.ultimateairdogs.com.

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Pulse of Peoria Drumline.

As always, we welcome any business, community group, or school to join us in the parade as we celebrate! The lineup begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 3, at the south end of Peoria Avenue. The parade will begin promptly at 1 p.m. with the color guard leading the way. The parade route will remain unchanged, going north on Peoria Avenue, wrapping around Haymarket Square, moving East on First Street, then North onto Peoria Avenue, and ending at Dixon High School.

We encourage you to get your blankets set out early this year and be ready for a parade full of treats and entertainment! See you at 1p.m. Sunday, July 3.

Lets Celebrate Petunia Fest!

with the purchase of 7

ILILLicensed Licensed055-000988 058-061599

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724 North Brinton Avenue, Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-4731 www.heysmiles.com

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Family owned and operated since 1967!

502 IL Rt. 2, Dixon • 815-284-2044

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

The Dixon Rural Fire Department moves through last year’s Petunia Festival parade in style, riding a 1928 Dodge Brothers fire truck. The 1928 model was used by the department up through the ‘60s. The department raised funds to buy back the truck that serviced the area, with plans to showcase the truck in parades and at area schools.

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Dixon Petunia Festival

Sauk Valley Media • June 24, 2016

Liberty is the right to choose.

Freedom is the result of the right choice.

Wishing you an Independence Day filled with pride in our country… …and a summer filled with good times.

The First National Bank in Amboy Where you come first 4 locations in Amboy & Dixon Proud sponsor of the Dixon Petunia Festival SM-ST4027-0624

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