SVM-SS3_06262015

Enjoy the 51st Annual

July 1 - July 5, 2015

June 26, 2015

A marketing supplement of Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 2

Sauk Valley Media • June 26, 2015

Dixon Petunia Festival

st Annual 1 5

ALL NEW TO THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL...

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

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Logan Mize

and along with 17 other bands who are crowd pleasing favorites!

Ultimate Air Dogs Show July 1 - July 5, 2015

Regional Qualifying Event sponsored by Purina

Cruise-In Style Car Show on the Peoria Avenue Bridge

Daily Schedule of Events WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 6am - 11am.......Dixon Area Garden Club Pancake Breakfast 10am - 12pm.....Drop-In Crafts - Dixon Public Library 8pm ...................COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Abridged) 9pm ...................Pop-Up Movie - Back to the Future - Riverfront THURSDAY, JULY 2 6am - 11am.......Dixon Area Garden Club Pancake Breakfast 12pm-3pm.........Bingo - Dixon Elks Club 4pm-11pm.........North American Midway Entertainment Carnival 5pm-11pm.........Taste Trail - Riverfront 8pm ...................COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Abridged) MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT 5pm ...................Pat Anderson - Reagan Statue Stage 7pm ...................Logan Mize - Bud Light Main Stage 9:30pm ..............Brushville - Bud Light Main Stage FRIDAY, JULY 3 6am - 11am.......Dixon Area Garden Club Pancake Breakfast 10am - 3pm.......Cruise-In Style Car Show - Peoria Avenue Bridge 10am - 4pm.......Ultimate Air Dogs Show: Midwest Regional Qualifier 11am - 2pm.......Brush Bloom and Boom 12pm - 3pm.......Bingo - Dixon Elks Club 12pm-11pm.......Taste Trail - Riverfront 1pm - 11pm.......North American Midway Entertainment Carnival 5pm - 7:30 pm...Ice Cream Social - Old Courthouse Lawn 5pm - 7 pm........Family Fun Night - Old Courthouse Lawn 5pm ...................The Annual Dana Stonesifer Classic - Girls 6pm ...................The Annual Dana Stonesifer Classic - Boys 7pm ...................Dixon Municipal Band Concert 8pm ...................COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Abridged) MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT 12pm- 2pm........Chicago Farmer - Bud Light Main Stage 2:30pm-5pm......Dirty Beet Brothers - Bud Light Main Stage 5:30pm-8pm......Woodland Remedy - Bud Light Main Stage 8pm - 8:30 .........Kendra Swanson - Reagan Statue Stage 8:30pm - 10pm..Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - Bud Light Main Stage 10pm .................Sun Stereo - Reagan Statue Stage

SATURDAY, JULY 4 6am - 11am.......Dixon Area Garden Club Pancake Breakfast 8am - 10am.......Elk’s Fishing Derby - North Side between the bridges 8am ...................Registration - 16th Reagan 5K Run/Walk 9am - 4pm.........Pinky’s Not So Hidden Treasures ‘n’ More Craft Show 9am - 12pm.......Midland States Bank Kids Day - Washington School 9am - 4pm.........34th Annual “Nuts About Art” - John Dixon Park 10am - 4pm.......Ultimate Air Dogs Show: Midwest Regional Qualifier 12pm .................9th Annual Bean Bags Tournament 12pm - 3pm.......Bingo - Dixon Elks Club 12pm - 11pm.....Taste Trail - Riverfront 1pm - 11pm.......North American Midway Entertainment Carnival 8pm ...................COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Abridged) MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT 12pm - 2:30pm..Burn n’Bush featuring Tristan Bushman 3pm - 5:30pm....Catfish Dogs - Bud Light Main Stage 6pm - 9pm.........Gina Venier - Bud Light Main Stage 9:30....................Dexter O’Neal and Funk Yard - Bud Light Main Stage SUNDAY, JULY 5 FREE ADMISSION TO FESTIVAL GROUNDS - FAMILY FUN DAY 6am - 11am.......Dixon Area Garden Club Pancake Breakfast 9am ...................Community Worship Service - Riverfront 12pm - 10pm.....Taste Trail - Riverfront 1pm ...................Parade:“Pinkily Ever After!” - Peoria Avenue 1pm - 10pm.......North American Midway Entertainment Carnival 9:30pm ..............Fireworks MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT 3pm ...................Lyle Grobe & the Rhythm Ramblers - Bud Light Main Stage 6pm ...................Robbie LeBlanc - Bud Light Main Stage

Entry tickets for Festival grounds and music area needed for: Thursday, July 2, Friday, July 3 & Saturday, July 4 FREE Admission DAY for the Festival grounds and music area: Sunday, July 5 Carnival Armbands available - Save $3-$5!

For complete information or to purchase tickets visit

www.petuniafestival.org

June 26, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 3

Dixon Petunia Festival

Are you ready for some fun?

51st annual Dixon Petunia Festival has it

T

he board of directors of the Dixon Petunia Festival is pleased to announce the 51st 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, which will run from July 2-July 5.

Continuing 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 activities, 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.

2014

PETUNIA FESTIVAL

SVM file photo

Reagan Guinn (left), 9, of Sterling reacts to touching a corn snake with Hannah Conderman, 8, during the 2014 Petunia Festival’s Kids Day at Washington School in Dixon.

Have a Safe and Fun 4th of July Weekend!

D I S C O V E R

Proud sponsor of the Petunia Festival

DIXON Illinois

Entertainment The Petunia Festival prides itself on having the best entertainment in the area, and in 2015, 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 3, will be the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Nearing its fifth decade together, the iconic and profoundly influential Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – often cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in country-rock and American roots music – continues to add to its legendary status by performing for the Dixon Petunia Festival.

We are excited to bring back one of our favorite groups, Brushville, who, along with Nashville recording artist Logan Mize, will be co-headlining our opening night and kicking off the festival in style.

FUN CONTINUED ON 4

Have a Fun Ti me e at the Petunia Festivall!

DIXON’S TIRE CENTER • • • • • • •

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Sauk Valley Media • June 26, 2015

Dixon Petunia Festival

FUN

CONTINUED FROM 3

Other great musical acts are being finalized and will be listed on our website and brochure.

For the first time, we are offering a limited number backstage passes to the general public. For more information, go to www.petuniafestival.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

New this year Ultimate Air Dogs Show – We are pleased to announce that Ultimate Air Dogs will be coming to the Dixon Petunia Festival. This event has soared into the hearts of thousands, simply because of the participants’ down-to-earth attitude. Every dog, regardless of background and ability, can compete. Join us for this family- and dog-friendly competition, which we are sure you will love.

Cruise-In’ Style Car Show – Dust off your hot rod, motorcycle or race car and cruise down to the festival grounds by the Peoria Avenue Bridge for a laid back good time. This year, we are reviving the classic car show of years past, but making it easier for you to attend and have fun doing it.

Family movie night – Outdoor showing of “Back to the Future.” Go back in time to watch this classic on the riverfront. “Back to the Future” is fun movie that all ages will enjoy Partnership with Left Stage – We are pleased to partner with the Dixon Left Stage theater group as they perform the “Complete Works of William Shakespeare,” with showtimes scheduled throughout the festival week. Dixon’s new professional theater presents three hapless actors performing all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in 90 minutes.

Taste at the Petunia Festival 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 festivalgoers.

Venue for the festival The set-up will be the same as the past 2 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.

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

Again we will feature a main entertainment stage across River Street near the Dixon Tourism building, and we’ll have tents and picnic tables set up on River Street for seating.

Another popular feature of recent festivals was the decision to leave the carnival in front of Dixon High School.

Also, the carnival will once again not be part of the daily admission charge.

Parade The parade keeps getting better, and this year will be no different. The parade will be held July 5, and this year’s theme is “Pinkily Ever After.” There will be plenty of floats and music to satisfy all paradegoers. This year, we are proud to feature the Jesse White Tumblers, and the Next Generation Fancy Drill team.

Returning favorites Many favorite events are returning to the festival this year, including: the North American Midway Entertainment Carnival (great rides for all ages), the area’s best fireworks display (with some new and special musical selections), the Dixon Area Garden Club’s annual pancake breakfast, the ninth annual Petunia Festival bags tournament, the annual patriotic Dixon Municipal Band concert

on the courthouse lawn, the community church service, the Elks fishing derby, 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 and more accessible parking. The popular craft show will be held July 4 in the air-conditioned comfort of the Loveland Community Building.

Fundraiser This year, we are pleased to offer the big Petunia Festival 50/50 drawing.

Ticket prices for the fundraiser are: one ticket for $1 or six tickets for $5. The drawing will be held Sunday evening, July 5, at the Bud Light music stage, before the fireworks. You can purchase tickets during the festival at numerous events, or at the Riverfront Taste Trail.

You can also visit www.petuniafestival. org (click the “New 50/50 raffle” link under the “About us” heading) for complete details on the fundraiser. All the proceeds benefit the Dixon Petunia Festival, a nonprofit organization. The winner is responsible for all applicable taxes and fees.

FESTIVAL CONTINUED ON 5

ENJOY THE 2015 PETUNIA FESTIVAL!

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June 26, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media

FESTIVAL

CONTINUED FROM 4

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

In addition to the family movie night, there will be activities for everyone. On Friday night, July 3, 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 Courthouse lawn.

This event is in conjunction with the yearly ice cream social and municipal band concert. Saturday, July 4, features the Midland States Bank kids day at Washington School.

Saturday also offers the third annual Brush and Bloom event.

This family favorite art event will run from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Families can purchase a 4-foot-by-4-foot square for $10 to paint. Sunday, July 5, is free admission day, with bands playing on the main stage – and of course the area’s best fireworks display.

Dixon Petunia Festival

PAGE 5

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 that 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 815-288-2308.

Sponsors The Petunia Festival is once again proud of all the companies that have signed up to sponsor the festival. As with the volunteers, we would not exist without their support. You can still become a festival sponsor. Contact us if you’re interested. We urge all festivalgoers to recognize and support our sponsors.

GOING ON VACATION?

2014

PETUNIA FESTIVAL

SVM file photo

Ava Anderson, 9, of Dixon puts paint to a patriotic scene during the 2014 Petunia Festival’s Brush, Bloom and Boom painting event on the Peoria Avenue Bridge.

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Sauk Valley Media • June 26, 2015

Dixon Petunia Festival

Try some tasty treats

It’s the Ultimate experience for dog lovers – from Yorkies to Great Danes and anything in between. If your dog is an above-average swimmer, you can try this event. 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

Attention Exhibitors!

August 4th 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Northland Mall Sterling, IL

The Premier Event For Those 55 and Better!

Meet face-to-face with seniors who are eager to learn about your products and services.

SPACE IS LIMITED! REGISTRATION DEADLINE JULY 17TH

For more information or to register your exhibitor space, call Ed Bushman at (815) 625-3600, ext. 5681 or email ebushman@saukvalley.com

Fri.,, Aug. g 7,, 2015

•

2015 Sauk Valley

8:00 PM

Midwest 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 Friday and Saturday for you and your family to enjoy. Go to www.petuniafestival.org for all the times and information.

The Ultimate Air Dogs welcome any dogs to participate

DUSTIN LYNCH

W

e are excited to welcome 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-and-son team of Milt and Brian Wilcox created these family events with an encouraging spirit of welcoming all competitors. This event will be a

seriously. Spectators are not allowed to touch the dog competitors nor enter their holding areas.

We hope you will take time to join us to watch the competing dogs make a splash as we bring a new and interesting form of entertainment to the Petunia Festival.

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

Please join us at the Festival Area for great food from the 13 vendors 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!

Tues. Augg. 4th Illinois State Truck Pull Wed. Augg. 5th Badger State Tractor Pull Thurs. Augg. 6th Tri County Pullers Mini Rods Fri. Augg. 7th Dustin Lynch Sat. Augg. 8th Demolition Derby

63RD A N N U A L

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June 26, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 7

Dixon Petunia Festival

Board members earn our thanks for their service

PETUNIA FESTIVAL COURT On April 12, the Dixon Petunia Festival Court was selected. Representing the festival this year are, from left: Attendants Alyssa LaMendola, daughter of Jason and Sherry LaMendola; Clara Thorpe, daughter of Evan and Crystal Thorpe; Queen Hannah Acker, daughter of Rusty and Jeni Childers; and Pinky Petunia Shannon Lahey, daughter of Mike and Danielle Lahey.

T

B R E A L T E E C PETUNIA FEST

Submitted photo

his year, the Petunia Festival Board would like to honor two board members who have stepped aside this year after many years of supporting the festival.

Geoff Vanderlin and Ed Lynott have been instrumental in the success of the Dixon Petunia Festival.

Geoff was the main driver of all the Drum Corps shops in the past and was the person behind the Reagan Sand Sculpture a couple of years ago. He’s also worked on many other committees during his 23 years as a volunteer board member.

Ed has been one of the primary drivers of all the top entertainment that the festival has had. He was a huge force behind the success of the airport Country Concerts, and has played a key role in developing a great relationship with our many sponsors through the years. We believe that Ed was the longest-serving board member, with 29 years of service to the festival and community.

The success that the Petunia Festival enjoys today would have not been possible without the involvement of these fine individuals. If you see them around during the festival, or any other time, please take a moment to thank them for their efforts.

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PAGE 8

Dixon Petunia Festival

The power of prayer comes to Petunia Festival Due to the increasing success of the Community Worship Service, we are pleased to announce that it will return for another year.

For the fifth year, the Petunia Festival, in conjunction with the Dixon Area Christian Ministerial Association, will bring 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.

The worship service will begin at 9 a.m. Sunday, July 5, 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!

Sauk Valley Media • June 26, 2015

Come play a friendly game of bingo B

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 Thursday, July 2, Friday, July 3, and Saturday, 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 while 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 or older to play or be in the game area. No food or drink is 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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June 26, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 9

Dixon Petunia Festival

Harley rolls out, and a raffle rolls in C

alling everyone! This year, the Dixon Petunia Festival has changed the fundraiser and will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets, instead of Harley Davidson tickets. One lucky winner will take home half of all money raised. Tickets will be on sale leading up the event, as well as throughout the festival on the festival grounds at the 50/50 Raffle Tent.

Tickets are $1 each or six for $5, and are available at the Dixon Main Street office, 115 S. Hennepin Ave., by calling 815-288-PINK (7465), or at www.petuniafestival.org.

The drawing will take place at approximately 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 5, at the Main Stage on the Dixon riverfront, prior to the fireworks. The winner does not need to be present to win.

The Dixon Petunia Festival Board is hopeful that the new fundraiser will not only give all Petunia patrons the chance to participate, thanks to a lower ticket cost, but the potential to grow the winnings every year. We are excited to see where this new initiative takes the festival!

Classics will be rollin’ on the river After a long hiatus, Petunia Festival organizers are proud to bring back the Cruise-In’ Style Car Show. Join car lovers from all over the area from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, July 3, on the Peoria Avenue Bridge, where 3D Sound will provide entertainment while you showcase your classic car.

Cars, trucks, specialty vehicles and motorcycles are welcome to participate in the show. Winners will be chosen in a number

Enjoy a safe & eventful 4th of July!

of categories, and prizes will be awarded.

Judges will be choosing winners in the following categories: Top 5 Stock, Top 3 Motorcycle, Best Engine Stock, Top 5 Modified, Best of Show, Best Engine Modified, and Best Paint.

Registration begins at 10 a.m., and the cost is $10 per entry.

Please enter at South Peoria Avenue and First Street. The entries will be parked on the Peoria

Avenue Bridge, as well as south Peoria Avenue.

Any questions can be directed to Mike Sholders at 815-973-4561.

There will be food and activities on the Petunia Festival grounds for during the event. Step back in time and enjoy the view, while making great memories with other car-loving Petunia Festival patrons!.

All are welcome to come and enjoy the show.

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PAGE 10

Dixon Petunia Festival

Sauk Valley Media • June 26, 2015

Here’s the scoop ...

Festival is packed with fun for the whole family

W

ho doesn’t love cool, creamy Schwan’s ice timeframe, so that attendees at that cream paired with some yummy, homeevent could pick up some goodies, as made-baked goodies? If this sounds like the well. perfect combination to you, be sure to stop by the The awarding-winning Dixon Municipal old Courthouse lawn in Dixon between 5 p.m. and Band, which is celebrating its 83rd year, 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, where local 4-H clubs, the will perform at 7 p.m. and will feature Dixon Wonder Workers and the Palmyra Hillbillies a great variety of patriotic and Ameriwill host the Petunia Festival Ice Cream Social. Many can favorites. This year, the band will festivalgoers have said in the past that the Fourth of feature selections honoring the 150th July weekend is not complete without attending this anniversary of the end of the Civil War. annual event. Admission is free.

While the ice cream social has been Scheduled in conjunchosted by the tion with Family Fun Dixon WonNight, and just prior A night for mom, dad and the kids der Workers for to the Dixon MuniciThe Petunia Festival has partnered once again with years, in 2014 the club pal Band concert (both the Dixon Family YMCA and Kohl’s to bring Family reached out to the other free events), the annual Fun Night back to the festival.

Dixon 4-H club, the Palice cream social offers Family Fun Night is free for the entire family and myra Hillbillies, to ask for a number of items for includes such kids activities as Pick a Duck, Bottle help. patrons to purchase: Pitch, Memory Match, face painting and more. More “It was getting to be Schwan’s ice cream, delinew games will also be introduced this year. more than one club could cious. homemade treats All this takes place on the Lee County Old Courthandle,” White said. made by local 4-Hers, as house lawn, 112 E. Second St., during the annual well as water, iced tea and “This partnership has ice cream social and right before the Dixon Municipal lemonade. been great for both clubs Band Concert.

The ice cream social and means that the selecFun, music and ice cream – all the ingredients for a begins at 6 p.m. tion of items for sale is great night of family fun!

Dixon Wonder Workers even more diverse.” president Jarod White So if you are looking for said that this event is one he looks forward to each a family-friendly event, please make time to stop by year. “The selection of items we have for sale is the ice cream social Friday. We hope to see you all amazing – something for everyone!” there. With Family Fun Night going on at the same He also commented on some changes that this time, there will plenty for the whole family to enjoy. event has seen in the past few years: “When the Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this Petunia Festival decided to move the Family Fun slice of true American heritage.

Night to the courthouse grounds, we really saw an increase in attendance.”

The event time was also lengthened by 30 minutes to extend into the Dixon Municipal Band concert

July 23-26 Lee County Fairgrounds (1/2 mile east of jct.

Rte 52 & 30, Amboy)

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Returning Fair Favorites Saturday, July 25

Dirt Drags & Mud Bogs

Lee Co. 4-H Fair & Jr. Show for latest fair details

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Full fair schedule at www.leecounty4hcenter.com

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June 26, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 11

Dixon Petunia Festival

You’ve got a ticket to ride at festival T

he Dixon Petunia Festival is proud to partner once again with the North American Midway Entertainment Carnival Company to provide their outstanding carnival, which will be located in front of the high school on Page Drive and in the Dixon High School 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.

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

Carnivalgoers can purchase tickets per ride, or get the most for their money by purchasing an armband for unlimited rides. Pre-sales at the Dixon Main Street Office will offer carnivalgoers discounts before the festival begins.

Carnival hours will be: 4-11 p.m. Thursday, July 2 1-11 p.m. Friday, July 3 1-11 p.m. Saturday, July 3 1-10 p.m. Sunday, July 5 Make your plans to enjoy the many thrills the carnival provides!

BARN TOUR

2014

PETUNIA FESTIVAL

SVM file photo

A North American Midway Entertainment Carnival worker sets up a ride in the Dixon High School parking lot in preparation for the 2014 Petunia Festival carnival.

Enjoy the Petunia Festival!

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PAGE 12

Sauk Valley Media • June 26, 2015

Dixon Petunia Festival

Let us entertain you The lineup of bands at this year’s festival will be music to your ears Logan Mize

7 p.m. July 2 He’s a new voice for every man – actually, make that an honest new voice for every man. That would be country-rock singer, songwriter and guitarist Logan Mize. Just listen to his current single, “Can’t Get Away from a Good Time,” which was just released to country radio by his label, Arista Nashville.

Please join us for a great night with Logan Mize!

Brushville

9:30 p.m. July 2 The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 2014 to rave reviews. It charted at number 22 on the iTunes Top Country Albums chart in its first week, and charted number 1 on the Billboard Heatseeker Chart (East North Central) its first week.

Their current single, “Dangerous,” written by Nashville songwriting veterans Rhett Akins (“Boys Round Here” by Blake Shelton) and Ben Hayslip (“Only Way I Know” by Jason Aldean), is about taking chances in relationships even though you have been hurt before.

“Dangerous” is the follow-up to Brushville’s debut single “Baby’s Got Her Boots On” that peaked at number 76 on the Music Row chart.

Dirty Beet Brothers 2:30-5 p.m.

July 3 The Dirty Beet Brothers is a high-energy band with a focus on creating fun, original

Submitted photos

Logan Mize

Sun Stereo

music. Influenced by all genres of music, the sound defies typical traditions. The result is a perfect blend of bluegrass, blues, and good old American rock ‘n’ roll.

These are local boys who are making a name for themselves and are fitting right in to the everexpanding bluegrass/jam scene. They will be rocking out July 3 on the main stage!

Band – often cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in Country Rock and American Roots Music – continues to add to its legendary status.

With multi-platinum and gold records, strings of top-ten hits such as “Fishin’ In The Dark” and “Mr. Bojangles,” multiple Grammy, IBMA, CMA Awards and nominations, the band’s accolades continue to accumulate. Its groundbreaking album, “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” has been inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress as well as the Grammy Hall of Fame, and its recording of “Mr. Bojangles” was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2014, “Fishin’ In the Dark” was certified platinum for digital downloads by the RIAA. Today, the band – Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter and John McEuen – continue their nonstop touring in their 49th year together, and plans for their 50th Anniversary are said to be extensive.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

8:30 p.m. July 3 Nearing their fifth decade together, the iconic and profoundly influential Nitty Gritty Dirt

BANDS CONTINUED ON 13

Our Quality Shows We Care The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

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June 26, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media

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Dixon Petunia Festival

Submitted photos

Cody Diekhoff, AKA Chicago Farmer

Summer Camp Music Festival.

Please join us in welcoming back, for a very special Reagan Stage show, Sun Stereo, immediately following the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

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Sun Stereo

Chicago Farmer Midnight-2 a.m. July 3 “Get me south, Mama get me north, Get me out of Backenforth,” Chicago Farmer sings on the title track of 2013’s “Backenforth, IL.” It’s the centerpiece of his sixth collection of Guthrie-inspired populist songs, as well as autobiographical. The son of a small-town farming community, Cody Diekhoff logged plenty of highway and stage time under the name Chicago Farmer before settling in the city in 2003. Profoundly inspired by fellow Midwesterner John Prine, he’s a working-class folk musician to his

Dexter O’Neal & Funk Yard 9:30 p.m. July 4 Dexter O’Neal & Funk Yard is a multifaceted cover band based out of Peoria.

It plays a variety of R&B hits that appeal to all ages, and can change musical forms right in front of your eyes. You can’t beat the steady driving drum rhythm from Bryon Moore, heavy bass lines from Ron “Ocie” Jamison, crazy guitar leads from Stan Burns, sultry sax melodies that may come from multiple sources, and the guitar and the powerful vocals of Dexter O’Neal. This band is dynamic pure energy!

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10 p.m. July 3 Sun Stereo delivers a hybridization of organic and electronic elements with Beatlesque vocal harmonies, electronic soundscapes, nu-age storybook lyrics, and a “funk-your-face-off” horn section.

In the band’s first year of existence, it’s developed a fierce following and is quickly establishing itself in the Midwest as a must-see live show, reminiscent of a wedding reception on acid, sans the chicken dance.

Recently, it performed at Pygmalion Music Festival, Mumford & Sons’ “Gentlemen of the Road Tour” in Waverly, Iowa, (its third year on that tour), and

core. His small-town roots, tilled with city streets mentality, are turning heads north and south of I-80.

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Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers 3 p.m. July 5 According to the group’s website, “The love of music brings us good ol’ boys together, and we sure have a good time.

Every Wednesday night, you will find us in the garage. Sure, we may miss a note or two, but we can usually pull it together. We have been around the block now for some time. Got our start years ago in the early ‘50s and now, some 60 years later we are still strummin’. We love what we do and we hope that you like our good ol’ country music.”

Join us in welcoming back our friend, and singer of “It’s Petunia Time in Dixon,” Lyle Grobe on July 5, after the parade.

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PAGE 14

Sauk Valley Media • June 26, 2015

Dixon Petunia Festival

Petunia Festival will go out with a bang Once 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 51st anniversary of the festival with special music and fireworks displays.

Melrose Pyrotechnics, which provides the fireworks show, has an outstanding reputation in the country for

its displays, and it’s 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 loca-

It’s time to think pink Petunia Festival parade will be magical for all ages

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his year’s annual parade will make its way down Peoria Avenue. Our theme for this 51st Annual Petunia Festival Parade is “Pinkily Ever After.”

Our fairytale theme was created to inspire a magical experience for both young and old.

We have chosen John Groshans to be our grand marshal this year to honor his countless hours of work on our beautiful riverfront. We are thankful for John’s unyielding passion for

our city and maintenance of the downtown riverfront area.

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. This year, we will feature a new Chicago performance group, Next Generation Fancy Drill Team.

They are sure to get your attention.

We have also added The Pulse of Peoria Drumline, showcasing a

pronounced drumline.

You can also catch them performing at the Petunia City Brass event July 24. We are pleased to announce that returning this year with another great show are the Jessie White Tumblers.

As always, we welcome any business, community group, or school to join us in the parade as we celebrate.

The line-up begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, 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 out early this year and be ready for a parade full of treats and entertainment! See you at 1 p.m.

Sunday, July 5.

People are invited to cool their heels at craft show The Dixon Petunia Festival is partnering with the Loveland Community Building this

year to bring you a craft and vendor show in airconditioned comfort.

Between 9 a.m. and

The Next Picture Show presents the 34th annual

“Nuts About Art!”

Fine Arts Show John Dixon Park July 4th 9:00am-4:00pm

4 p.m. Saturday, July 4, stop 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 handmade wares.

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tions in the festival seating area.

Our friends at River Country Radio 101.7 FM will provide the music during the show, making the event even better.

The fireworks show will be the conclusion to another great festival and will begin at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.

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

Hop into your DeLorean and head to the riverfront Join us Wednesday, July 1, to go back in time and watch the classic movie, “Back to the Future.”

This is a fun movie for all ages, and the admission is free, courtesy of Liberty Court in Dixon.

Bring a blanket, cushion, or seat, and join us for popcorn and drinks on the beautiful riverfront. The movie will begin at 9 p.m.

Thank you again to Liberty Court for sponsoring this movie on the riverfront.

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June 26, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media

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Dixon Petunia Festival

KSB Wellness Year in Review The mission of KSB Community Wellness is to restore, maintain, and enhance health to our community by providing wellness opportunities and educational resources to improve the quality of life. This year, we’ve created more programs and partnered with organizations throughout the community to make health and wellness a priority. You may have seen some of our programs:

The Mind-Body Connection

AmeriHeart Event

Be Stroke Aware

Oregon Park Bike Rodeo

Runners Injury Workshop

Visit ksbhospital.com for upcoming events and wellness activities.

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Dixon Petunia Festival

Sauk Valley Media • June 26, 2015

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

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