Meet this year’s Petunia Fest royalty
Bella Carroll PETUNIA FESTIVAL QUEEN
Bella Carroll, daughter of Melissa Meusel and Randy Wisenburg, attends Faith Christian School in Grand Detour where she is involved in student council as a Junior Class Representative. She is also on her school’s volleyball and soccer teams. Bella is enrolled in Whiteside Area Career Center’s Early Childhood Program, where she works with the kids at Kiddie Kampus. After high school Bella hopes to attend Augustana University to major in Early Childhood Education.
Seth Shaffer PETUNIA FESTIVAL KING
Seth Shaffer, son of Stephanie Sulski, attends Dixon High School where he participates in wrestling, Student Council, and Key Club. He also was selected and participated in the Hometown Leaders Program, where he learned more about our local government. After high school Seth plans to attend Sauk Valley Community College to earn his associate degree. He then hopes to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he will major in finance.
Sophia Wendt PINKY PETUNIA
Sophia Wendt, daughter of Bob and DeeAnn Wendt, attends Dixon High School where she participates in many sports and extracurricular activities. She is the Student Council Co-Chair, Key Club Vice President, and participates in the DHS Theater program. She’s also played basketball and softball, and participated in track and field and cheerleading for DHS. She works at the Elks Lodge and has also been involved in the Petunia Festival Ambassadors Program. After high school Sophia plans to attend a university to major in physical therapy or psychology.
Source: https://petuniafestival.org/royalty/
From left: 2026’s Petunia Festival royalty: King Seth Shaffer, Queen
Bella Carroll and Pinky Petunia
Sophia Wendt. Petunia Festival Facebook page
Editor’s note: The schedule below was current of press time, but changes may have occurred since then. Go to petuniafestival.org/festival-schedule/ or facebook.com/ PetuniaFestival/ for the latest information. For the music lineup, see the music schedule elsewhere in this section.
PRE-FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
Thursday, June 25
Founding Mothers of the Country and kids crafts
11 a.m.
Dixon Public Library, 221 S. Hennepin Ave.
Friday, June 26
Sponsor Party (by invitation only)
5:30-8 p.m.
Mad Water Saloon, 321 W. First St. 250th Painting Party
5:30-8 p.m.
Brave Arts Creative Studio, 115 S. Hennepin Ave.
Sign up at braveartscreativestudio.com/ Movie: “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl”
7:30 p.m.
The Dixon: Historic Theatre, 114 S. Galena Ave. Admission: $2; tickets available at www.tix.com/ticketsales/thedixon/6626
Saturday, June 27
3v3 Soccer Tournament
10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Rain date: June 28
Meadows Fields, 1716 Washington Ave. Registration at petuniafestival.org, under the “Register” link.
Petunia Fest prices
Entertainment venue entry tickets
Presale tickets: $45 through Wednesday, July 1
Starting Thursday, July 2, admission into the entertainment venue will be $20 per day at the gate, or a valid presale ticket.
Carnival
There’s no cost to walk through the carnival, but tickets or wristbands are required for rides.
Tickets
1 for $1 — 21 for $20 — 44 for $40 Wristbands
Presale vouchers: $30 (only 1,500 available). Wristband price during the festival: $35 (available at the carnival grounds).
Petunia Fest headquarters hours
77 S. Hennepin Ave. | 815-288-PINK (7465)
June 3, 10, 17, 24 — 3-7 p.m.
June 6, 13, 20 — 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 8, 15, 22 — Noon-6 p.m.
June 12 — Noon-4 p.m. | June 19 — Noon-6 p.m
June 25, 26 & June 29-July 1 — 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Country Legends Tribute Tour
7:30 p.m.
The Dixon: Historic Theatre, 114 S. Galena Ave. Buy tickets at tix.com/ticket-sales/thedixon/6626
Red, White, and Blue Ball
5:30-10 p.m.
Loveland Community House, 513 W. Second St. Tickets available at tinyurl.com/22apmzfp
Tuesday, June 30
Quartermania
Doors open at 5 p.m., auction begins at 6 p.m.
Dixon Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road
Vendor sales will take place, and the kitchen and bar will be open. Proceeds benefit Petunia Festival and the Dixon American Legion
Wednesday, July 1
Crafts with Royalty 1-3 p.m.
Dixon Public Library, 221 S. Hennepin Ave.
Carnival
5-11 p.m.
Lincoln Statue Drive, in front of Dixon High School
PETUNIA FESTIVAL EVENTS
Thursday, July 2
Pancakes and Petunias 6-11 a.m.
DHS Cafeteria, 300 Lincoln Statue Drive
OSF HealthCare Tennis Classic — Youth doubles
2 p.m. — 14 and under boys, and 14 and under girls
4 p.m. — 18 and under boys, and 18 and under girls
6 p.m. — 14 and under mixed, and 18 and under mixed
Youth rain date: Friday, July 3
Emma Hubbs Tennis Courts,1028 Palmyra St.
Bingo
Doors open at 10 a.m., game runs from noon-3 p.m.
Dixon Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road
SCHEDULE cont’d to page 21
Thursday, July 2(cont’d)
Reagan Boyhood Home Tours
10 a.m. -4 p.m.
810 S. Hennepin Ave.
Dixon Dish food vendors
4:30-11:30 p.m.
Downtown entertainment/food venue
VIP Sponsor Tent
5-11:30 p.m.
Open for sponsors with badge; light snacks provided from 7-9 p.m.
Downtown entertainment/food venue
Special needs quiet hours carnival 2-4 p.m.
Carnival time set aside for with reduced lights, sounds, and sensory stimulation for children and adults who benefit from a quieter environment.
Carnival open only to pre-registered guests during Quiet Hours; no tickets or wristbands will be sold at the carnival during this time. Pre-registration required. Participants will receive a special wristband that includes admission for the participant and one accompanying rider. Wristbands must be picked up at the carnival grounds on the day of the event. Register at https://petuniafestival. org/2020/04/30/carnival/
Lincoln Statue Drive, in front of Dixon High School SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE cont’d to page 22
Dixon High School cheerleaders wave to the crowd during the 2025 Petunia Fest parade .
BRIAN HURLEY/SHAW MEDIA
BRIAN HURLEY/SHAW MEDIA
A unicyclist pedals in the 2025 Petunia Fest parade.
SCHEDULE cont’d from page 21
Friday, July 3
Pancakes and Petunias
6-11 a.m.
DHS Cafeteria, 300 Lincoln Statue Drive
Petunia Fest Pop-Up
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Brave Arts Creative Studio, 115 S. Hennepin Ave.
Brush & Bloom
9 a.m.-noon
Old Lee County Courthouse, 200 S. Ottawa Ave.
Bingo
Doors open at 10 a.m. game runs from noon-3 p.m.
Dixon Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road
Cruise-in Style Car Show
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
John Dixon Park, 515 N. Galena Ave.
Pre-registration is $10 through June 30, at https://petuniafestival.org/ (under the “Register” menu), or $15 the day of the show (only 120 spots are available and there’s no guarantee of availability for same-day registration; pre-registration is recommended).
Old Settlers Log Cabin Open
10 a.m. -3 p.m.
Lincoln Statue Drive between Galena and
Peoria bridges Food stands
Dixon Dish food vendors
4-11:30 p.m.
Downtown entertainment/food venue
VIP Sponsor Tent
5-11:30 p.m.
Open for sponsors with badge; light snacks provided from 7-9 p.m.
Downtown entertainment/food venue
Carnival
4-11 p.m. Friday
Lincoln Statue Drive, in front of Dixon High School
Family Fun Night
5-7 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church parking lot, 110 E. Third St.
Ice Cream Social 5-7 p.m.
Old Lee County Courthouse lawn, 200 S. Ottawa Ave.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
6:30 p.m.
Old Lee County Courthouse lawn, 200 S. Ottawa Ave.
Dixon Municipal Band Concert
7-9 p.m.
Old Lee County Courthouse lawn, 200 S. Ottawa Ave.
SCHEDULE cont’d to page 23
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Saturday, July 4
Pedestrian Bridge dedication
11 a.m.
Join city officials and local representatives to celebrate the new pedestrian bridge.
Pancakes and Petunias
6-11 a.m.
DHS cafeteria, 300 Lincoln Statue Drive
OSF HealthCare Tennis Classic
8 a.m. — Women
9 a.m. — Men
Rain date: Sunday, July 5
Emma Hubbs Tennis Courts, 1028 Palmyra St.
Reagan Run
Run begins at 8 a.m.
Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, 810 S. Hennepin Ave.
Register online by 3 p.m. July 2, at tinyurl.com/mr2eapcw. Printable form available at tinyurl.com/ yrame7tz
Race day registration: 6:30-7:30 a.m. at Haymarket Square, 255 Highland Ave.
Elks Fishing Derby
Registration at 7 a.m., fishing from 8-10 a.m.
North side of the riverfront, between Galena and Peoria bridges
Al Morrison All-Star game
9 a.m.
Page Park ball diamonds, 614 Palmyra St.
Think Pink Craft Show
9 a.m. -2 p.m.
Loveland Community House, 513 W. Second St.
Nuts About Art
9 a.m. -4 p.m.
John Dixon Park, 515 N. Galena Ave.
Bingo
Doors open at 10 a.m., game runs from noon-3 p.m.
Dixon Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road
Reagan Boyhood Home Tours
10 a.m. -4 p.m.
810 S. Hennepin Ave.
Bags Tournament
10 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. game start
Bean Blossom Parking Lot, 106 River St.
Old Settlers Log Cabin open
10 a.m. -3 p.m.
Lincoln Statue Drive, between Galena and Peoria bridges
SHCEDULE cont’d to page 25
BRIAN HURLEY/SHAW MEDIA
John Fritz of team Always A Champ tosses a bag at the Bags Tournment during the 2025 Petunia Fest.
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Saturday, July 4 (cont’d)
Dog Parade
1 p.m.
Haymarket Square, 255 Highland Ave.
Dixon Dish food vendors
4-11:30 p.m.
Downtown entertainment/food venue
VIP Sponsor Tent
5-11:30 p.m.
Open for sponsors with badge; light snacks provided from 7-9 p.m.
Downtown entertainment/food venue
Carnival
1-11 p.m. Saturday Lincoln Statue Drive in front of Dixon High School
Sunday, July 5
Pancakes and Petunias
6-11 a.m.
DHS Cafeteria, 300 Lincoln Statue Drive
OSF HealthCare Tennis Classic
8 a.m. — Adult mixed
Emma Hubbs Tennis Courts, 1028 Palmyra St. Community Worship
9 a.m.
Reagan Stage downtown Parade — Happy 250th Birthday, America
1 p.m.
Parade will be on Peoria Avenue from St. Mary’s Catholic School north to Dixon High School
BRIAN HURLEY/SHAW MEDIA A Shriner entertains the crowd during the 2025 Petunia Fest parade.
Dixon Dish food vendors
4-11:30 p.m.
Downtown entertainment/food venue
Carnival 1-11 p.m. Sunday
Lincoln Statue Drive in front of Dixon High School
50/50 raffle drawing
9 p.m.
G&M Main Stage
Fireworks
9:30 p.m.
Riverfront
LEE COUNTY
Thursday, July 2
Two Stroke Johnson
5:30-7 p.m.
G&M Kona Reagan Stage
Formed several years ago with members from Polo and Dixon, Two Stroke Johnson brings together members both young and seasoned. Their setlist spans a wide spectrum of rock hits from the ’90s and the early 2000s, with a few classic guitar anthems thrown in for fun, and incorporates a strong rhythm section, dual lead guitars, and the occasional fivepart harmony.
The Gingers
7-8:30 p.m.
G&M Budweiser Main Stage
Describing themselves a “redheads that rock,” The Gingers are a fun-loving band of redheaded women who keep audiences engaged and rockin’ along with a show full of the greatest rock songs, including party favorites by: Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, Sia, Foo Fighters, Cher, Zeppelin, Stevie Nicks, Heart, Queen, AC/DC, Motley Crue, The Pretty Reckless, Tom Petty, Whitesnake and more.
After the Fall
8:30-9:30 p.m.
G&M Kona Reagan Stage
This pop-punk band out of Dixon brings loud guitars and tight hooks to the stage. Formed in the early 2000s, the band dropped their debut album in 2004, followed by five years crisscrossing the Midwest, playing packed clubs, dive bars, and all-ages halls,
earning a reputation for explosive live shows and anthems the audience could shout back at the stage. After an extended hiatus of more than two decades, After the Fall has returned — older and louder.
LouderNow
9:30-11 p.m.
G&M Budweiser Main Stage
… and speaking of louder: LouderNow is a five-piece emo and pop-punk cover band hailing from Chicago and made up of members from several Chicagoland bands. Though the band has changed over the years, their mission remains the same: close friends from established bands celebrating their love for the emo and pop-punk artists who helped shape who they are today
Lunchbox Legends
After-party
G&M Kona Reagan Stage
The Lunchbox Legends are a six-member crew delivering a wide range of musical styles, from Martina McBride to System of a Down. This northern Illinois band bring their own style to the stage that gets crowds moving and singing along from the first note to the last.
Friday, July 3
Mirabilia
5:30-7 p.m.
G&M Kona Reagan Stage
Mirabilia is an original indie rock trio from Morrison. After forming in early 2020 and releasing their debut
album “Everyone I’ve Ever Been” in 2022, the band is set to release their sophomore album “A Lesson In Karma” later this year. The band promises to take audiences on an emotional journey with their live performances, infectious melodies, and deep subject matter.
Sybris
7-8:30 p.m.
G&M Budweiser Main Stage
Formed in Chicago in 2003, Sybris is an indie rock quartet recognized for a sound that blends mid-’90s alternative rock with angular, experimental pop. The group gained critical acclaim with their 2005 self-titled debut and their 2008 follow-up, “Into the Trees.” After appearances at Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits as well as several national tours, the band took a decade-long hiatus, reuniting in 2023 to release their “lost” third album, “Gold on Hold.” Most recently, Sybris released a split single with UK’s Muscle Vest.
Invisible Cartoons
8:30-9:30 p.m.
G&M Kona Reagan Stage
Invisible Cartoons blends catchy melodies, intoxicating voices, bounce-inducing beats, dynamic guitar/bass rhythms, spine-tingling keytar riffs, and dramatic wordplay about love, friendship, and fun — or as they like to call it: “smile-rock anthems.” The Aurora-based band has released albums and an EP.
MUSIC cont’d to page 27
MUSIC cont’d from page 26
Friday, July 3 cont’d
Gin Blossoms
9:30-11 p.m.
G&M Budweiser Main Stage
Formed in Tempe, Arizona in 1987, Gin Blossoms helped define alternative radio in the early ‘90s with their breakout major-label debut “New Miserable Experience.” Led by the gold-certified hit “Hey Jealousy,” the album went on to sell more than four million copies and established the band as power-pop mainstays. They followed with the platinum-selling “Congratulations I’m Sorry,” featuring the Top 10 smash “Follow You Down” and the Grammy-nominated “As Long as It Matters.” Their latest album, “Mixed Reality” features 15 new tracks.
Hard Love
After-party
G&M Kona Reagan Stage
Hard Love is a alt-rock/post Hardcore band from Dixon, composed of long time friends Nick Grobe, Mike Morley and Daniel Edmunds. .
Saturday, July 4
Bobbi White and Co.
5:30-7 p.m.
G&M Kona Reagan Stage
With a hundred years of combined musical experience, the band puts its own twist on many genres and eras — a little something for everyone.
The Rangers
7 -8:30 p.m.
G&M Budweiser Main Stage
The Rangers are a Chicagoland-based five-piece band redefining what country music sounds like in the heartland. Fresh off the release of their self-titled record, the band has refined its Midwest honky tonk sound into full-on, unadulterated country music, their way.
Desiree and The Wilde
8:30-9:30 p.m.
G&M Kona Reagan Stage
Desiree and The Wilde blend pop punk roots with modern and classic country to create a fresh, high-energy sound. With a lineup of seasoned, multi-genre musicians, the band delivers powerful vocals, strong musicianship, reinvented country, rock, and throwback pop hits.
Graham Barham
9:30-11 p.m.
G&M Budweiser Main Stage
Graham Barham’s defines its distinct sound in two words: Club country. With his roots in a small Louisiana town, Barham grew up, inspired by country stalwarts like George Strait as much as pop and hip-hop icons such as Justin Bieber. Named an artist to watch by Spotify and Amazon Music, Barham has made waves with his signature word play
and swaggering musicality. Signed to Sony Music Nashville and Disruptor Records, Barham’s latest viral hit “Oil Money” earned the largest debut of his career and is the title track of his accompanying EP
Loess Hills
After-party
G&M Kona Reagan Stage
Loess Hills is a rising country trio rooted in eastern Iowa, blending authentic songwriting with genre-crossing energy. The group features Alex Fischbach, Tanner Skiff, and Ro Pesci – each bringing a unique musical pedigree to the stage.Fischbach gained national attention as a top 50 contestant on “American Idol,” showcasing his vocal prowess and heartfelt delivery. Skiff continues to be a force in the music industry, with performances across the country as well as song collaborations with country superstar Jelly Roll. Pesci, a powerhouse performer with deep musical roots, has performed along side artists such as Nelly and many more.
Sunday, July 5
Rosbrook Hall
3-5 p.m.
G&M Budweiser Main Stage
The Rosbrook team continues to make progress toward the opening of their new space, now called Rosbrook Hall, at 90 S. Ottawa Ave, in Dixon. Fundraising is underway for major construction needed to provide amenities that will accommodate capacity crowds. Meanwhile, the Rosbrook team is preparing to open “Rosbrook Underground” where they will utilize the lower level of the building for a smaller capacity, and in turn resume open mics and other programming.
Too Hype Crew
7:30-9 p.m.
G&M Budweiser Main Stage
Too Hype Crew is a tribute to late ’80s, ’90s and early ’00s hip hop, featuring live music from a seven-piece band, accompanied by choreographed “Fly Girl” dancers. It’s a party band – it’s a show – it’s art – it’s a house party on stage – all packaged in an unprecedented way. Their high energy, interactive show features the sights, the sounds, the moves, the fashion and antics of hip hop’s most colorful era.
— Source: https://petuniafestival.org/music-lineup/
Where is the Petunia Festival located?
Although certain parts are set up throughout Dixon, most of the Festival is held on the riverfront downtown. The carnival is held across the bridge on Lincoln Statue Drive by Dixon High School. Entertainment Venue entry points are at the Hennepin Avenue gate and the Peoria Avenue Bridge gate.
Where do I park?
There are multiple locations downtown. Handicap parking is available in the lot on the corner of Hennepin Avenue and First Street.
Do I need a ticket for the downtown music venue?
Tickets are required for ages 13 and older. Presale tickets for the entire festival are $45 per person through Wednesday, July 1, and will be available at Petunia Festival headquarters, 77 S. Hennepin Ave., during business hours through noon July 1. Payments can be made with cash (exact change preferred) or via Venmo. If you do not have a pre-sale ticket, entry into the festival will be $20/day at the gate.
Do I have to pay to walk through the carnival?
No. However, rides require tickets or wristbands, which can be purchased at the carnival.
If I have to leave, may I return to the downtown music venue on the same day?
Yes. You will receive an armband upon entry each day.
How do I purchase food or drinks at the Festival?
Food may be purchased from vendors using cash. Drinks may be purchased using a ticket from Petunia Fest ticket booths, which are then taken to the outdoor festival bar to be used. Tips at the Petunia Festival bar go directly to the organization serving you.
What kind of vendors will be at the Petunia Festival?
The Dixon Petunia Festival does not have a vendor show at this time. Artists can contact The Next Picture Show to talk about their art show. Crafters can contact Loveland Community House to inquire about their craft/vendor show.
What if my child is lost?
Locate a Petunia Festival board member, a volunteer at a ticket booth or a police officer. It’s also a good idea to take your child’s photo right before you enter the Festival.
Is there a lost and found?
Some lost and found items may end up at the Festival office, but most are turned over to the Dixon Police Department. Check with an entrance gate attendant or a Festival board member.
What should I bring to the Festival?
Valid ID if you want to consume alcohol; proper clothing, including shirts and shoes; sunscreen; sunglasses; sweatshirt; stroller; lawn chair if you’d like to sit down
What should I not to bring to the Festival?
Anything that may create a safety hazard or interfere with other patrons enjoyment of Petunia Festival including, but not limited to: Coolers of any size; backpacks; pets (with the exception of service animals, with documentation); illicit drugs; alcohol; food (with the exception of baby formula/food/milk); beverages (with the exception of baby formula/food/milk); weapons; tables; glass containers. Please note that all bags could be subject to police search.
Posting photos of Petunia Fest?
Use the hashtags #petuniafest, #dixonlove and #discoverdixon.
— source: https://petuniafestival.org/faqs/
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