SVM-SS3_06272014

Enjoy the 50th Annual

July 2 - July 6 2014

June 27, 2014

A marketing supplement of Sauk Valley Media

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3AUK 6ALLEY -EDIA s June 27, 2014

Dixon Petunia Festival

Thank You to our 2014 Corporate Sponsors!

Please patronize the following local businesses.

Their support helps make the festival a success.

Visit www.petuniafestival.org for complete schedule of events.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS Ace Hardware Bellini’s Big John Comfort Inn Country Financial

Dixon Ford Lincoln Mercury VW, Mazda Dixon Tourism/ City of Dixon McDonald’s Midland States Bank Raynor

Republic Services Sauk Valley Community College Sauk Valley Sun UPM Raflatac Workman Harley-Davidson, Inc.

SILVER SPONSORS 1st National Bank of Amboy Anchor Coupling Bonnell Industries Borg Warner Century Link Dixon Commercial Electric Dixon Wal-Mart BRONZE SPONSORS Alley Loop Angelo’s Drifters Palms Sewer Equipment of America

Stables Tipsy’s Walder Rhodes Insurance Zero’s

Donaldson Elks Lodge Johnson Oil Midway Drive In & Diner Next Generation Wireless Northern IL Cancer Treatment Center Rayovac FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL

Audio Video Connection C.A.R.S Casey’s Clifton Larson Allen Credit Auto Sales Culver’s of Dixon Dixon Autobody Dixon/Sterling NAPA Duke Energy Farley’s Appliance

Folsom Bakery Galena Ave. Car Company Lifehouse-Liberty Court Sinnissippi Centers Stewarts Heating & Air Subway Vegas Sun Willett and Hofmann WIPFLI,LLP

River Ridge Animal Hospital Sauk Valley Bank Sauk Valley Cleaners Sauk Valley Media Secure Recycling Services Shopko Supreme Cleaners PETUNIA PATRONS

Arch Vending Anna Sacco-Miller Corner Spot Dixon Snyder Pharmacy Hammitt Insurance Agency Heritage Square Jones Funeral Home MO-ST Plumbing & Mechanical The Next Picture Show

Orthopedic Rehab Specialists of Dixon Pam’s Hallmark Penny Lane Preston Schilling Funeral Home Rock River Ready Mix Scheffler Custom Woodworking Sherwin Williams Wickert Insurance

*UNE s Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 3

Dixon Petunia Festival

‘50 Years of Petunia Magic’ Festival provides a great time for everyone

T

he board of directors of the Dixon Petunia Festival is pleased to announce the 50th 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 festival will run from July 2 until July 6. Our 50th is quite an achievement, and the board has worked extra hard this year to put in events to help commemorate our golden anniversary.

Continuing partnership We are pleased to announce that the Petunia Festival has partnered with Dixon Main Street again this year to work on festival activities

ship. Josh Albrecht and the Main Street team have joined us to put together a festival that will provide a great time for all citizens of the area.

The festival office has moved to the Main Street office and will serve as our official home base during the year.

New this year Drum Corps. We are pleased to announce that for the 50th anniversary we will be bringing back one of the past festival favorites, the Drum SVM file photo Corps show that will be held Artists Philip Atilano, Tristan Young, Kris Meyers and Douglas on Sunday, July 6, at the Dixon Kitto work on a three-dimensional chalk drawing on Hennepin High School football field. A Avenue in Dixon. The work was done in celebration of the 2013 lineup of six top drum corps Petunia Festival. will entertain all with their sound, styles and precision together. The two groups similar activities, so it made marching. share a common bond of sense to both organizations FESTIVAL CONTINUED ON 4 promoting the city through to continue in this partner-

Enjoy the 2014 Dixon Petunia Festival

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Tickets are on sale now The multiple-day admission tickets for the Petunia Festival music entertainment area along the Dixon riverfront are available now.

Tickets are $15 for 4 days of admission, Wednesday through Saturday. Sunday is a free admission day. You also can pay a $5 admission fee at the gate for only the days you will be at the festival. Each person over the age of 12 will need a ticket for entry.

Please keep your multiple-day ticket until the end of the festival.

Also, discounted arm band tickets for the carnival are on sale. Remember, entry into the carnival is free.

Both tickets can be purchased at the Dixon Main Street office on Hennepin Avenue, or you can purchase them online at www.petuniafestival.org.

For more information, call the Dixon Main Street office at 815288-2308.

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Dixon Petunia Festival

FESTIVAL

the riverfront during our opening night.

CONTINUED FROM 3

Venue for the festival

Website. A great celebration deserves a great communication tool, and the board of directors invites you to check out our new web pages.

The address is the same – petuniafestival.org – but you will find everything updated and designed for our festival patrons’ ease of use in mind.

50 years of Festival Memories. We have partnered with the Loveland Community Building to feature an exhibit of 50 years of festival memories.

Visitors will find items from all 50 years, and will be able to see how a small local group of people started a small festival that has steadily grown into one of the premier summer events in northwest Illinois.

Luau. We will start this year’s festival with a Dixon style luau which will be held on the opening night of July 2 along the riverfront venue. Hula dancers, a pig roast, and special Hawaiian theme events will fill

We are pleased to announce that, due to the overwhelming success we had last year in moving the entertainment and food venues to the downtown area along the Heritage Riverfront, the festival will once again be held in that location.

The set-up will be the same as last year, with the festival being held in an area on River Road between Peoria and Galena and on Hennepin from First Street to River Road. Again 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.

Another popular feature of last year’s festival was the decision to leave the carnival in front of Dixon High School, and that will once again not be part of the daily admission charge.

Taste at the Petunia Festival This year an effort has been made to bring some past fes-

tival favorites along with our local food vendors to the Taste at the Petunia Festival area.

Many great selections of food will be available at the riverfront area. We are targeting 15 vendors who will be spread throughout the festival area to provide plenty of great food choices to the hungry festival goers.

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, with some special 50th anniversary musical selections; the men’s garden club annual pancake breakfast; the eighth annual Petunia Festival bags tournament, Elks Lodge poker tournament; and the annual patriotic municipal band concert on the courthouse lawn; the community church service; the Elks fishing derby, art show, and much more!

Also, bingo will be back at its new location, the Dixon Elks

B R E A L T E E C

Lodge. This venue was very popular last year and will again offer climate control and more accessible parking.

The popular craft show will return after a 1-year hiatus and will be held in the air conditioned comfort of the Loveland Community Building on July 5.

Family Fun This year the festival offers 2 days of family fun with no admission charge to the festival grounds. There will activities for the whole family. On July 4, in partnership with the Dixon 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 Dixon Municipal Band concert. And July 6 is free admission day, with bands playing on the Main Stage and, of course, the area’s best fireworks display.

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 815-284-3361.

Sponsors The Petunia Festival is once again proud of all the companies that 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 festivalgoers to recognize and support our sponsors.

Parking With this being the second year of our new location, people have been asking about parking during the festival.

The festival brochure this year shows parking availability with hundreds of parking spots in the downtown area. The front parking lot in front of KSB Town Square Center is reserved for those who required handicapped parking.

Proud Supporter of the Petunia Fest

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*UNE s Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 5

Dixon Petunia Festival

Celebrating 50 years

Open house honors past and present festival participants

Y

ou are cordially invited to spend an evening celebrating our past 50 years! We are hosting an open house at Loveland Community Building, where you can browse through historical memorabilia that has been collected over the past 50 years.

Our guests of honor will be the past presidents, queens, kings, and Pinky Petunias from the past 50 years. We also encourage any previous board members and attendants to join us that evening for this celebration.

We will have light refreshments and entertainment provided by Flying Fish from 5 to 7 p.m. July 1 at 513 W. Second St. in Dixon. This is an open event and all are welcome to attend. We will see you then!

SVM file photo

2013 Petunia Festival Queen Kaitlynne Pitman waves from a float during the 49th annual parade.

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PAGE 6

Luau gets the party started A loha!

The idea for this event that is new to Petunia Festival was inspired by the fantastic selection of Dixon’s creative and delectable dining locations.

Whether uptown or downtown, there is always a place close by to get a tasty bite to eat.

So, in celebrating Dixon as the food town it has come to be, we decided to kick off the 2014 festival with a food event of our own.

In honor of the Dixon Petunia Festival’s 50th anniversary, we are getting the party started with a Hawaiian Luau celebration. Come on down July 2 to the sweet smell of smoked and slow roasted meats and the joyful sounds of Luau tunes in the air.

Chef Jon Zellar, in cooperation with the Dixon Petunia Festival and the local Dixon VFW, will be preparing and serving a delicious menu of slow roasted Polynesian pulled pork sliders with Hawaiian barbecue glaze and a

3AUK 6ALLEY -EDIA s June 27, 2014

Dixon Petunia Festival

Mandarin citrus slaw for $6, as well as smoked chicken tamales with a fresh and spicy pineapple salsa for $4. All proceeds benefit your Petunia Festival as well as your Dixon VFW. Wear your grass skirts and Hawaiian shirts, and come ready to Hula.

Celebrating 50 years with ‘Mary Poppins’ Join us July 1 at the Dixon riverfront for an outdoor movie.

Dixon Petunia Festival and “Mary Poppins” are both celebrating 50 years, and we are inviting you for a free movie under the stars.

The movie will begin at 9 p.m. and be shown in the amphitheater on the riverfront.

See you Tuesday for this family favorite!

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*UNE s Sauk Valley Media

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Dixon Petunia Festival

Win a 2014 Harley or $10,000 in cash O ne lucky winner will choose a 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide special or $10,000 in cash.

Only 3,500 tickets will be sold.

Get tickets at the Dixon Main Street office or by calling 815288-2308, or purchase online at www.petuniafestival.org. Ticket prices are one for $20, three for $50, or seven for $100.

The drawing will be at approximately 8 p.m. July 6 at the Main Stage on the Dixon Riverfront. The winner does not need to be present.

See the Harley on display at Ace Hardware in Dixon on weekends prior to the festival, and during the festival at numerous events, and at the Riverfront.

The winner is responsible for all taxes and fees.

Have a Safe and Fun 4th of July Weekend!

Mayor James Burke Commissioners: David Blackburn Colleen Brechon Dennis Considine Jeffrey Kuhn

Proud sponsor of the Petunia Festival

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Dixon Petunia Festival

Find some great food along the Taste Trail The Taste Trail will be located along the riverfront Heritage Crossing area, which is a beautiful setting for dining and relaxing while at the 50th annual Petunia Festival.

Food vendors will be located along the riverfront, on Hennepin Avenue as well as the Beanblossom Parking Lot. You’ll be sure to find all your favorite food and drink selections among local food vendors from Dixon and the surrounding area. Take time to discover what each food vendor has to offer on their menus!

We have returning vendors as well as some new additions to the Taste Trail lineup. Our food vendors look forward to serving you each and every day of the festival.

The Taste Trail will be a very accommodating area

Taste Trail hours 5-11 p.m. July 2 5-11 p.m. July 3 Noon to midnight July 4 Noon to midnight July 5 3-10 p.m. July 6 to eat, relax and be near the entertainment venue!

We take pride in offering a clean area for your enjoyment. The Petunia Festival is “going green” this year and we’ve partnered with Kreider Secure Recycling Services to facilitate this effort. Please observe the marked receptacles that will be available for disposal of recyclable items in the Taste Trail area.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Taste Trail along the beautiful riverfront.

Calling all bingo players Calling all bingo players to return for a 3-day run of Petunia Festival Bingo at the Dixon Elks Club!

The indoor climate and ease of parking is hard to beat.

Bingo will be played from noon to approximately 3 p.m. July 3, 4 and 5.

Steve Marco, WIXN radio host, will be our emcee and bingo caller.

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

The bingo games are easy to play, and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have as the games are played.

No checks or large bills will be accepted for bingo.

You must be 18 or older to

Cost to play Full packet $5 Half packet $5 Early bird sheet $2 Intermission sheet $2 “Last Chance Duo” sheet $1 Bingo daubers $2 play, and be in the game area. No food or drinks are allowed to be carried in.

Admission is free. The Elks Club is at 1279 Franklin Grove Road.

The daily bingo crowds were great to see last year!

On behalf of the Dixon Elks Club and the 50th annual Petunia Festival, we look forward to seeing you at bingo again this year. It’s a fun event. ... Bring a friend!

ABOVE: Riders are freakin’ out on the Freak Out ride at the 2013 Petunia Festival in Dixon.

SVM file photos

BELOW: Colton Walters, 9, of Sterling does a mid-air flip on Zero Gravity at the 2013 Petunia Festival carnival.

Unlimited rides with armbands

W

e are pleased once again to provide the North American Midway Entertainment Carnival along Lincoln Statue Drive, right in front of the Dixon High School building.

As in the past years, the carnival will offer rides for all ages, with old favorites and new

exciting rides, as well.

Daily armbands will get you unlimited rides; get your armbands before the festival and same some money.

Armbands are available at the Dixon Main Street office on Hennepin Avenue prior to the start of the festival.

Remember, admission to the carnival is free!

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*UNE s Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 9

Dixon Petunia Festival

Live entertainment lineup for the 50th annual Dixon Petunia Festival Wednesday, July 2 5 p.m. – Mathias Smith on the Amphitheater Stage 6:30 p.m. – Old Shoe on the Main Stage 8:30 p.m. – Nate Gordon on the Amphitheater Stage 9:30 p.m. – Rusted Root on the Main Stage Opening for Rusted Root will be Chicago-based jam band Old Shoe, a five-piece Americana roots rock band based out of Chicago. Made up of talented songwriters from across the country, hailing from as far away as Alaska, the band’s compositions paint a diverse landscape of American life.

Rusted Root headlines the opening night of the Petunia Festival.

Rusted Root has been on an extensive national tour to support the release of its debut album with Shanachie Entertainment, “The Movement.”

Rusted Root founder and front man, Michael Glabicki, says, “The Movement is an extremely joyous recording with seriously deep undertones.

It is a culmination of everything we have learned. It is truly is a career record for us.” Famous for its unique fusion of acoustic, rock and world music and formed over 20 years ago, Rusted Root has recorded eight albums and sold more than 3 million records worldwide. It has played countless nights on the road supporting bands like Santana, The Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band, The Allman Brothers Band, the HORDE Festival and the Jimmy Page/Robert Plant reunion tour.”

Rusted Root

Thursday, July 3 7 p.m. – Brushville on the Main Stage 5 and 9 p.m. – Olivia Dvorak on the Amphitheater Stage 10 p.m. – Parmalee on the Main Stage

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Parmalee headlines Thursday night of the festival with its rock sound that has roots in the bluegrass, traditional country, Southern rock and blues covers the guys grew up hearing their families play. Parmalee recently made

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Dixon Petunia Festival

ENTERTAINMENT CONTINUED FROM 9

Brushville is back at Petunia Festival for the second year in a row.

Brushville blends five extremely talented musicians, with incredible harmonies, an explosive stage show and a fresh, dynamic sound produced by an array of instruments to create an unforgettable experience for the audience.

Friday, July 4 Noon – Robbie LeBlanc and the Real Live Show on the Main Stage 3 p.m. – Tristan Bushman on the Main Stage 4:30 p.m. – Burn N’ Bush on the Main Stage 6:30 and 9 p.m. – Catfish Dogs on the Amphitheater Stage 7:30 p.m. – Gina Venier and the Gentlemen on the Main Stage 9:30 p.m. – Miles Nilesen & the Rusted Hearts on the Main Stage Miles Nilesen and the Rusted Hearts make their Petunia Festival debut by headlining Friday night. From nearby Rockford, SVM file photo Miles brings rock n’ roll to the Michael Ford of The Apache Relay performs with the Dixon stage. Miles, the son of tambourine at Page Park in Dixon in 2012.

Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nile-

sen, has opened for numerous national headlining acts, has his own unique blend of music, and is making a name for himself with dynamic performances throughout the Midwest.

Gina Venier and the Gentlemen will be back at the festival after a crowd-pleasing performance at the 2013 Petunia Festival. Also, in 2013 Gina Venier and the Gentlemen played at the Mumford & Sons Gentlemen of the Road festival in Troy, Ohio. After a strong 2013 year, the band made its way to Nashville, where it has been residing the past few months playing several shows a week.

Saturday, July 5 Noon – Acoustic Circus on the Amphitheater Stage 3 p.m. – Sun Stereo on the Main Stage 6 and 9 p.m. – Downtown Rhythm Kings on the Amphitheater Stage 7:30 p.m. – The Apache Relay on the Main Stage 9:30 p.m. – The Wood Brothers on the Main Stage The Wood Brothers headline Saturday night’s festival lineup. The Americana and blues band blends in a bit of folk and R&B to create a unique sound that has set them up for their latest album, “The Muse.”

From early in their childhood in Boulder, Colorado, Chris and Oliver were steeped in American roots music.

The Apache Relay is coming back to Dixon after its first stop was a part of the Mumford & Sons Gentlemen of the Road festival in August 2012. Since then, the band has continued a strong tour schedule and worked on its new self titled album, “The Apache Relay” which was to be released in April.

Sun Stereo also is finding its way back to Dixon after playing the Downtown Stage during the August 2012 Gentlemen of the Road festival. Sun Stereo delivers a hybridization of organic and electronic elements with Beatlesque vocal harmonies, electronic soundscapes, nu-age storybook lyrics, and a funkyour-face off horn section.

Sunday, July 6 Lyle Grobe and the Rythm Ramblers The love of music brings us good ole’ boys together, and we sure have a good time. Lyle got his start years ago in the early 50s and is still strummin’ 60 years later. This year marks the 50th anniversery of the Petunia Festival, and also as the 50th anniversery of the first time Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers played the Dixon Petunia Festival!

Enjoy the Petunia Festival!

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*UNE s Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 11

Dixon Petunia Festival

Brush, Bloom and Boom returns B

rush, Bloom, and Boom, a family-friendly art event, will take place from noon to 5 p.m. July 4 at the Peoria Avenue bridge in downtown Dixon.

Dixon Main Street and the Dixon Petunia Festival are teaming up for this fun-filled painting competition for all ages.

The event will use the Peoria Avenue bridge as the canvas, as budding artists will help us decorate the downtown for the Petunia Festival.

On July 4, starting at noon, artists will paint 4-by-4-foot squares on the bridge.

Winners will be announced, with prizes being awarded.

Pre-registration is just $10 per square. Participants can pre-register by downloading a form at www.dixonmainstreet.com or at the Dixon Main Street office, 115 S. Hennepin Ave. Day-of registration will begin at 11 a.m., and is $15.

Paint and brushes will be supplied for the participants.

The event is open to all ages and presented by ValuChic.

For more information, call Dixon Main Street at 815-2882308.

SVM file photo

Sara DiGrazia, 12, of Dixon, paints horses in her square on First Street during last year’s Brush, Bloom and Boom painting competition.

144th

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Tuesday Tuesday Pro Bull Riding Thursday BMX & FMX Free Style Friday Tractor Tr actor & T Truck ruck Pull Saturday Demolition Derby Friday & Saturday Harness Racing

PAGE 12

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Dixon Petunia Festival

A little something for everyone at the Craft, Vendor Fair Join us for the annual Dixon Petunia Festival Craft and Vendor Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 5 at the Loveland Community Building.

There will be various handmade items, such as crocheted hats and tow-

els, cookbooks and bracelets, from local craftsmen; and vendors with items such as the ever popular Thirty One and Miche.

There is a little something for everyone.

We look forward to seeing you.

Enjoy a night of family fun W

e are joining forces with Kohl’s and the Dixon YMCA again this year to bring you a night of great family fun.

It will be located on the old courthouse lawn, next to the ice cream social, with more fun and games extending to the parking lot on the south side of the lawn.

One of the favorite events of the festival each year is the ice cream social and band concert, which is located on the Old Lee County Courthouse lawn.

Many people comment that the Fourth of July weekend is not complete without attending this annual event.

The ice cream social is sponsored by the Dixon Wonder Workers and begins at 6 p.m. July 4. With Family Fun night

to bring your own lawn chairs and enjoy the power of music and the message together with others from all denominations.

This event is free to the public and will be located along the riverfront on River Road in downtown Dixon Please join us at 9 a.m.

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

The award-winning Dixon Municipal Band, which is celebrating its 82nd 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.

BARN TOUR

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Family fun night begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 7 on July 4, on the east side of courthouse lawn.

This event is free and aims to have a family atmosphere so bring the whole family and have a good time!

If you want to stay after and listen to the Dixon Municipal Band, they will start at 7 p.m. on the north side of the courthouse.

Celebrate with ice cream and music

Community Worship Service The Dixon Petunia Festival, in conjunction with the Dixon Area Christian Ministerial Association, is pleased to bring you a Community Worship Service on the riverfront.

What a powerful experience, worshipping the Lord along the beautiful Rock River.

You are encouraged

We will have 10 to 12 games, including pick a duck, bean bag toss, ring toss, fishing game and many more, as well as relay races, face painting and other fun areas.

Everyone will be able to win a prize at the games.

There will be refreshments and food available for purchase provided by the 4-H group.

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www.whitesidecountybarntour.com Tour-goers pay admission and get their tour book at the first barn site - 1963 Mound Hill Road, Dixon, IL. The route is 28 miles containing a little bit of everything a barn tour should include - a variety of architectural barn styles, beef and dairy cows, horses, vegetable gardens and fresh produce, chickens and antique farm equipment. Many of this year’s barns date back to the 1800’s.

Admission: $20 per vehicle - No Advance Sales (admission includes tour book and map) Whiteside Country Farm Bureau - 100 East Knox St., Morrison, IL 815-772-2165 wcfb@frontiernet.net

*UNE s Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 13

Dixon Petunia Festival

Pinky Petunia Kirsten Pitman throws out beads along the parade route during the Petunia Festival Parade last year in Dixon.

SVM file photo

Everybody loves a parade “F

ifty Years of Petunia Magic,” is our theme this year, and our parade will be all that!

We are excited to celebrate our 50th year in bringing petunia

happiness and entertainment to our parade patrons. We are pleased to host all of our community members to bring you a fantastic parade.

Our grand marshal this year is

none other than Pinky Petunia!

She is our mascot, and what better way to celebrate than with her leading us off. We also will have some Drum and Bugle Corps such as The Colt Cadets

and Legends. We also will be featuring South Shore Drill Team, The Jesse White Tumblers, and Wendell Phillips Academy.

Please note that due to construction, our parade route is

a little different! Please refer to the website for the slight change. Make sure you get your spot early on July 6, because this is going to be a parade you won’t want to miss!

PAGE 14

Dixon Petunia Festival

3AUK 6ALLEY -EDIA s June 27, 2014

Drum and Bugle Corps marching on at festival

W

orld Class Drum Corps International Drum and Bugle Corps competition returns to the Dixon Petunia Festival for a special 50th anniversary show on Sunday, July 6, featuring the Colts from Dubuque, Iowa, Pioneer of Milwaukee, and Jersey Surf from Mount Holly, New Jersey.

Founded in 1963 as the Junior Dukes, the Colts also were known as the Legionnaires and Colt .45 before adopting the corps’ current name in 1976.

Since 1993, the corps has placed in the DCI World Championship Finals numerous times.

Pioneer adopted its name in 1974 to honor a major sponsor. Pioneer won the DCI Division III World Championship in 1991, then moved to Division II status, winning that World Championship in 1994 and 1995. The group then advanced to Division I competition in 1997 and is best known for its Irish music and themes.

Founded in 1990 in Camden County, New Jersey, Jersey Surf has developed a reputation for putting audience entertainment first. The corps is a seven-time Open Class World Championship Finalist.

The three World Class corps will be joined by Open Class corps the Colt Cadets, Genesis, from Austin, Texas, and Legends of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The Colts and Pioneer are both veteran Petunia Festival performers, having been here for many of our past shows, while Jersey Surf first burst on the World Class stage in 2009 and has been

Join the Fun in…

Colts Drum and Bugle Corps

Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps a World Championship finalist every year since then.

In a special, hometown appearance, Pioneer this year will be led on the field

by Drum Major Karen Lee, a Dixon High School and University of Illinois graduate.

Karin has been with Pioneer for 3 years and this year will “Age Out” and graduate from Corps membership. She is the daughter of Doug and Ann Lee of Dixon.

Tickets for this year’s show are priced in advance at $12 for general admission, and $20 and $25 for reserved, center seats.

Tickets are available at the Dixon Main Street office or online at www.dci.org.

General admission tickets will rise $3 at the gate, and reserved seats will be $5 more.

Join us July 6 for the return of Drum Corps to the Petunia Festival.

Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps

PROUD SUPPORTER OF PETUNIA FEST

PROPHETSTOWN

Thursday, July 3 Prophetstown Park District’s

Streetscape 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Eclipse Park

Fun Run 6:30 p.m.

5K Run Around

7 p.m. starts at Park District

Friday, July 4 Men’s Club & Prophetstown Fire Dept.

Saturday, July 5 Prophetstown Main Street presents

Fireworks Coupe DeVille Band Celebration “The Cadillac of Rock & Roll” Eclipse Park 3 on 3 Basketball 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Horseshoe Tourney Prophetstown Local Band Live Music, Food & Reflex Blues Fireworks in the State Park at dusk

to open 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Bar & Grill 628 Palmyra Rd., Dixon, IL.

www.BombDigityDixon.com

*UNE s Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 15

Dixon Petunia Festival

A grand finale Fireworks will light up the sky

O

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 50th anniversary of the festival with some special music and fireworks displays. Melrose Pyrotechnics, which 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

Have a Fun Ti me at the Petunia Festival!

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. July 6.

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

Complete Automotive Service Shop Serving the Sauk Valley Area for Over 36 Years!

DIXON TIRE CENTER

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Freedom is the result of the right choice. ;MWLMRK ]SY ER -RHITIRHIRGI (E] ½PPIH [MXL TVMHI MR SYV GSYRXV]© ©ERH E WYQQIV ½PPIH [MXL KSSH XMQIW

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

800-216-0008