SVM_Petunia Festival_062625 by Shaw Media

Meet Petunia Fest’s royalty

Daniela Lovett

Petunia Festival Queen

Daniela Lovett, daughter of Don and Nikki Lovett, attends Dixon High School, where she participates in several clubs and activities, including Class Officers, Key Club, Student Council, varsity cross country, and varsity track. Dani works at Discover Dixon as an intern and has been a Petunia Festival Ambassador for 3 years. After high school, she plans to attend a 4-year university and major in medical biology, with a minor in business. She ultimately plans to become a dermatologist.

Jacie Roe

Petunia Festival Princess

Jacie Roe, daughter of Jason and Heather Roe, attends Faith Christian School in Grand Detour. There, she serves as a class representative in the Student Council and is an active member of the school’s Key Club. Jacie works at Culvers in Dixon. After high school, she hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in business and creative writing. She also plans to pursue a cosmetology degree and open a salon and bookstore.

Lilyana Herrera

Petunia Festival Princess

Lilyana Herrera, daughter of Josefina Unzueta and Jose Herrera, attends Dixon High School and is involved in many activities there. She is the Media Manager for Student Council, Sports Editor for the yearbook, is part of the school newspaper staff, and plays varsity tennis. Lily works at the Dixon Dairy Queen, volunteers in religious education at St. Mary’s in Sterling, and helps with the United Way. After high school, she plans to attend Sauk and transfer later to a university to major in Social Work.

Madolynn Kirby

Pinky Petunia

Madolynn Kirby, daughter of Nicci Wright and Jeffery Kirby, attends Dixon High School, where she is involved in many sports, including playing on the volleyball, softball and bowling teams. Maddie also has started her own small business, making and selling jewelry at local events, including the Dixon City Market. After high school, Madolynn plans to attend Sauk to study business, followed by cosmetology school.

Source: petuniafestival.org/royalty/

A Great Time At The Festival!

From left: 2025’s Petunia Festival royalty — Princess Jacie Roe, “Pinky Petunia” Madolynn Kirby, Queen Daniela Lovett, and Princess Lilyana Herrera.

SOURCE: PETUNIAFESTIVAL. ORG/ROYALTY/

Editor’s note: The schedules in this publication were current as of press time, but changes may have occurred since then. Check petuniafestival.org/ (under the “Plan Your Visit” link) or go to facebook.com/PetuniaFestival/ for the latest information and updates.

PRE-FESTIVAL EVENTS

Friday, June 27

Sponsor Party (by invitation)

5:30-8 p.m.

Mad Water Saloon, 321 W. First St.

Saturday, June 28

NEW EVENT — 3v3 Soccer Tournament

Time TBA

Meadows Park, 1716 Washington Ave.

Admission & ticket info

Carnival

Entrance to the carnival is free, but rides require tickets or wristbands, which can be purchased at the carnival. Wristbands are $35 and will be available each day at the carnival from open to close. Individual ride tickets are: 1 for $1, 21 for $20, or 44 for $40. Rides take anywhere from 4 to 6 tickets.

Entertainment

FESTIVAL EVENTS

Thursday, July 3

Dixon Boosters Pancakes & Petunias

6:30-11:30 a.m.

Dixon High School cafeteria, 300 Mark Dallas Way.

Elks Bingo

10 a.m. doors open; play from noon-3 p.m.

Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road

For ages 18 and older; small bills only; no outside food/drinks.

Registration full

Tuesday, July 1

Quartermania

Doors open at 5 p.m.

Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road

Vendor sales; kitchen and bar will be open; auction starts at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, July 1 &

Wednesday, July 2

Youth Tennis Classic

Time TBA (rain date Thursday, July 3)

Emma Hubbs Tennis Courts, 1028 Palmyra St.

Tickets are required for the Entertainment Venue for ages 13 and older. Presale tickets are $35 through Wednesday, July 2. After that, entrance at the gate will be $15 per day. Tickets are available at Petunia Festival Headquarters, 77 S. Hennepin Ave., from through noon July 2. Payments can be made with cash (exact change preferred) or Venmo.

Wednesday, July 2

Crafts with Royalty

1-3 p.m.

Dixon Public Library, 221 S. Hennepin Ave. Carnival

5-11 p.m.

In front of Dixon High School, 300 Mark Dallas Way

Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and Visitor Center open

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

810 S. Hennepin Ave.

Special Needs Quiet Hours Carnival 2-4 p.m.

In front of DHS, 300 Mark Dallas Way

Must pre-register at Petunia Festival Headquarters or at https://tinyurl.com/y99jpy34 for the special wristband for participant plus one rider, which is valid only for the 2 hour designated time. Pick up wristbands the day of the event on the carnival grounds. No regular tickets or wristbands will be sold at the carnival during this time — the carnival will be open only to pre-registered guests.

SCHEDULE cont’d to page 23

SCHEDULE cont’d from page 22

Thursday, July 3 (cont’d)

Dixon Dish food vendors

Noon-4 p.m. & 5-11:30 p.m.

At the Entertainment Venue

Carnival

5-11 p.m.

In front of Dixon High School, 300 Mark Dallas Way

VIP sponsor tent

5-11 p.m.

Open for sponsors with badge; light snacks provided from 7-9 p.m.

Friday, July 4

Dixon Boosters Pancakes & Petunias

6:30-11 a.m.

Dixon High School cafeteria, 300 Mark Dallas Way.

Brush and Bloom

9 a.m.-noon

Old Lee County Courthouse, 200 S. Ottawa Ave.

Elks Bingo

10 a.m. doors open; play from noon-3 p.m.

Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road

For ages 18 and older; small bills only; no outside food/drinks.

SCHEDULE cont’d to page 24

Donald Lloyd puts the finishing touches on a vendor trailer ahead of the 2024 Petunia Fest.

SCHEDULE cont’d from page 23

Friday, July 4 (cont’d)

Cruise-In Style Car Show

10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Registration at 8 a.m.; awards at 2 p.m.

John Dixon Park, 515 N. Galena Ave.

Only 120 spots available for the show. Preregistration is $10 until June 30 at petuniafestival.org/2020/05/05/ cruise-in-style-car-show/. Day-of registration available for $15.

Old Settlers Cabin open

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Between the bridges

Hosted by the Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society

Carnival

1-11 p.m.

In front of Dixon High School, 300 Mark Dallas Way

Dixon Dish food vendors

5-11:30 p.m.

In the Entertainment Venue

VIP sponsor tent

5-11 p.m.

Open for sponsors with badge; light snacks provided from 7-9 p.m.

Family Fun Night

5-7 p.m.

Games and Touch-a-Truck event

First Presbyterian Church parking lot, 110 E. Third St.

SCHEDULE cont’d to page 25

Wishing You a Safe and

Steve Snitchler of Dixon is seen reflected in his 1948 Ford Super Deluxe during the 2024 the Petunia Fest car show.

SCHEDULE cont’d from page 25

Saturday, July 5 (cont’d)

Al Morrison All-Star Festivities

9 a.m.

Page Park Ball Diamonds, 614 Palymra St.

Think Pink craft and vendor show

9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Loveland Community House, 513 W. Second St.

More info: 815-284-2741

Nuts About Art Show

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

John Dixon Park, 515 N. Galena Ave.

Old Settlers Cabin open

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Between the bridges

Hosted by the Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society

Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and Visitor Center open

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

810 S. Hennepin Ave.

Elks Bingo

10 a.m. doors open; play from noon-3 p.m. Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road

For ages 18 and older; small bills only; no outside food/drinks.

Bean Bag tournament

10 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. start

In front of BeanBlossom parking lot, 106 River St.

Petunia Festival collector buttons are \ available at the Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society, 113 S Hennepin Ave., and at locations where they’re holding programs. The Society’s hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; and 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday. Buttons are $3, with half the proceeds going to support the Petunia Festival and half going to the Society.

$20 per team for social play, $40 per team for competitive; registration info at petuniafestival. org/2020/05/05/bags-tournament/ Carnival

1-11 p.m.

In front of Dixon High School, 300 Mark Dallas Way Dog parade

1 p.m.

Haymarket Square, 317 W. Third St. Must pre-register by June 30. Dixon Dish food vendors

5-11:30 p.m.

In the Entertainment Venue VIP sponsor tent

5-11 p.m.

Open for sponsors with badge; light snacks provided from 7-9 p.m.

Sunday, July 6

Dixon Boosters Pancakes & Petunias

6:30-11 a.m.

Dixon High School cafeteria, 300 Mark Dallas Way. Community Worship

9 a.m.

On the Reagan Stage, downtown Adult Tennis Classic

Time TBA

Emma Hubbs Tennis Courts, 1028 Palmyra St. Dixon Dish food vendors

Noon-10 p.m.

In the Entertainment Venue Petunia Festival Parade

11 a.m. line-up, parade at 1 p.m.

Steps off at St. Mary’s School, 704 S. Peoria Ave., proceeds down Peoria Avenue, around Haymarket Square to First Street, across the bridge to the Dixon High School parking lot Carnival

1-10 p.m.

In front of Dixon High School, 300 Mark Dallas Way 50/50 drawing

9 p.m.

Dixon CGH Medical Center Main Stage Fireworks

9:30 p.m.

With accompanying music on River Country 101.7 FM

Thursday, July 3

Out of Storage

5:30 p.m.

G&M Kona Reagan Stage

This six-piece classic rock band’s set list features music from the 1960s to today, with a focus on up-tempo, danceable music. Lead singer Kim Welborn brings her own take on songs from bands such as The Rolling Stones, Beatles, ZZTop, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Motown era and more.

The Smoking Popes

6:30 p.m.

Dixon CGH Medical Center Main Stage

Bursting onto the Chicago punk scene in 1991, Smoking Popes create an eclectic blend of music the Los Angeles Times described as “hyperkinetic tear-jerkers’ — a self described cross between lounge music and punk rock featuring a blend of buzzsaw guitars, caffeinated rhythms and heartfelt crooning vocals. They’ve put out indie label releases and major label albums.

Hard Love

8:30 p.m.

G&M Kona Reagan Stage

Hard Love is an alt-rock/post hardcore band from Dixon featuring long-time friends Nick Grobe, Mike Morley and Daniel Edmunds.

Blind Melon

9:30 p.m.

Dixon CGH Medical Center Main Stage Blind Melon was formed in Los Angeles in 1990

Admission & ticket info

Entertainment

Carnival

and rose to fame in the early ’90s with its brand of stripped-down psychedelia, finding success on the charts with their best known hit “No Rain,” and its accompanying video with “The Bee Girl” in heavy rotation on MTV. After lead singer Shannon Hoon’s death in 1995, the band disbanded 4 years later, but reformed in 2006 with new lead singer Travis Warren. Since then, the band has seen a surge of creativity, releasing critically acclaimed albums and playing sold-out shows.

Friday, July 4

Two Stroke Johnson

5:30 p.m.

G&M Kona Reagan Stage

Formed several years ago in Polo and Dixon, Two Stroke Johnson brings together the energy and talent of youth with the seasoned experience of a few grizzled veterans of the music scene. With a rock-solid rhythm section, dual lead guitars, and the occasional five-part harmony, their setlist spans a wide spectrum of rock hits from the 1990s and early 2000s, with a few classic guitar anthems thrown in for fun.

BAJA

6:30 p.m.

Dixon CGH Medical Center Main Stage

BAJA’s members hail from northern and central Illinois, including core members — and childhood friends from Dixon — Jonathan Rivera and A.J. Schmall. The band’s pop/funk sound features an electric, live horn section. BAJA has shared the bill with members of Chicago, Everclear, and several other national acts.

Kirkland

8:30 p.m.

G&M Kona Reagan Stage

A Chicago-based band formed in Dixon in 2004, Kirkland brings its love of ‘90s alternative rock and high energy pop punk to the stage. The group has written and released two albums.

MUSIC cont’d to page 28

Friday, July 4 (cont’d)

Too Hype Crew

9:30 p.m.

Dixon CGH Medical Center Main Stage

Too Hype Crew is described as “a full-blown, rumpshakin’ and rhyme-makin’ old school hip hop experience.” The seven-piece band, along with choreographed “Fly Girl” dancers, is a tribute to the fun hip hop and party anthems of the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000’s.

Saturday, July 5

Marques Morel

5:30 p.m.

G&M Kona Reagan Stage

Marques Morel is described as an “American songwriter/ story-teller, Midwestern-twanger/folk singer, guitarthumper/harmonica wailer [and] street-performer/ wandering troubadour.”

verygently

6:30 p.m.

Dixon CGH Medical Center Main Stage verygently features established Nashville singersongwriters Drew Erwin, Joey Hendricks, and Tristan Bushman, who came together in early 2024. Their high energy shows blend melancholy, indie-pop, wit and soaring melodies. The band has released a pair of EP’s.

and

Loess Hills

8:30 p.m.

G&M Kona Reagan Stage

Loess Hills is a rising country trio from eastern Iowa that blends songwriting with genrecrossing music. The group features Alex Fischbach, Tanner Skiff, and Ro Pesci. Fischbach gained national attention as a top 50 contestant on “American Idol: Season XIV,” showcasing his vocal prowess and heartfelt delivery. Skiff has collaborated with country superstar Jelly Roll, and Pesci has performed alongside artists such as Nelly and many more.

Tyler Braden

9:30 p.m.

Dixon CGH Medical Center Main Stage

Tyler Braden is a Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose high-energy country music has earned him more than 750 million global career streams and packed audiences in to sold out shows. He’s been featured at venues with Luke Bryan, Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley Warren Zeiders, Darius Rucker and others. His song “Try Losing One,” went to No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Weekend Countdown. His 2024 single, “Devil You Know,” racked up more than 335 million global streams and earned a Gold certification from the RIAA.

Sheezit

Afterparty

G&M Kona Reagan Stage

Sheezit is an all-female rock cover band from northern Illinois, featuring Shelley Myers on vocals, Kelley Snyder on drums, Wendy Ropp on guitar, and Angie Miller on bass.

Sunday, July 6

Rosbrook Hall

3:30-5:30 p.m.

Dixon CGH Medical Center Main Stage

Performances from the Dixon music venue.

Brushville

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Dixon CGH Medical Center Main Stage

The four-piece Bloomington-Normal band Brushville has been playing sold out shows with its blend of country and rock. Their first album, 2014’s “Brushville,” rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseeker chart and No. 22 on iTunes Top Country Albums chart.

ALEX T. PASCHAL/APASCHAL@SAUKVALLEY.COM

Mandy (left)

Avett Hinkey dance to music during 2024’s Petunia Fest.

Things were looking up, and down, for riders on the Fireball during opening day of the 2024 Petunia Fest carnival.

ALEX T. PASCHAL/ APSACHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM

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?

Do I have to pay to walk through the carnival?

No. However, rides require tickets or wristbands, which can be purchased at the carnival. Wristbands are $35 and will be available each day at the carnival from open to close. Individual ride tickets are: 1 for $1, 21 for $20, or 44 for $40. Rides will be anywhere from 4 to 6 tickets.

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 our 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 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/

Walk-In Care No Appointment Needed

With locations in Dixon & Sterling!

Monday-Friday: 8 am to 8 pm

Saturday-Sunday: 8 am to 1:30 pm

• X-ray & Lab Services On-Site

• Stitches, Strain/Sprain/Fracture Evaluation

• Workers’ Compensation, Initial Injury Visit

• Additional Services for... allergies, cold, influenza, ear infections, bladder infections, strep throat, pneumonia, COVID, rashes, camp & sports physicals, insect bites, minor burns and more!

Save your spot - online! Visit www.cghmc.com/readycare

• Family Medicine

• Pediatrics

• Neurology

• Sleep Medicine

• OB-GYN

• Ophthalmology

• Adult Allergy

• Dermatology

As part of our ongoing commitment to Dixon and the surrounding communities, we continue to expand the services available at CGH’s Dixon Medical Center (1321 N. Galena Avenue)

• Pain Management

• Rehabilitation Services

• Rheumatology

• Wound Care

• General Lab Services

• Oncology/Hematology