Monday, February 24, 2014

Dixon's City-Wide Garage Sales, April 25-26








The Annual Dixon Community-wide Garage Sales are set for April 25-26. Deadline to sign up for the sales is April 18.

Cost to register a sale is $20 and includes a listing and a description of the sale. The Sales will be distributed through the Telegraph newspaper and at select businesses the week of the sale, along with online at www.dixonmainstreet.com and www.facebook.com/dixonmainstreet. The garage sales will be held rain or shine.

More than 50 sales are  held each year during this weekend.

Registration forms are available at Roxies, Waterfront Gifts, and Books on First. Forms are also available online at www.dixonmainstreet.com.

For more information, call Dixon Main Street at 815-288-2308.

Friday, February 21, 2014

2014 Calendar of Events



Below is the current events calendar for Dixon Main Street. Dates are subject to change. Dates in red are events by other groups or businesses in the community. For more information on any event, email mainst@grics.net or call 288-2308.

March 4 -- Shop Talk @ Books on First, 5-6 p.m.
March 8 -- Second Saturdays
March 15 -- St. Patrick's Day Parade - 3 p.m. 
March 22 -- Petunia Festival's Barstool Golf
March 19 -- Lunch and Learn @ Post House Ballroom, 12 p.m.

April 1 -- Shop Talk @ Books on First, 5-6 p.m.
April 11  -- Founders Day presented by BorgWarner
April 12 -- Second Saturdays/NPS Event
April 25-26 -- Community-wide Garage Sales

May 2 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
May 6 -- Shop Talk @ Books on First, 5-6 p.m.
May 9 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
May 10 -- Second Saturdays  
May 16 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank


May 21 -- Lunch and Learn @ Post House Ballroom, 12 p.m.
May 23 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
May 30 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank


May 30/31 -- Downtown Dixon Open Mini Golf Outing and Festival
May 31 -- Shop Small Saturday

June 3 -- Shop Talk @ Books on First, 5-6 p.m.
June 6 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
June 14 -- Catfish Tournament/SS Street Party/ Second Saturdays
June 13 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
June 20 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
June 27 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
June 21 -- Garden Show on Riverfront
June 28 -- Dixon Beer Festival on Riverfront

July 1 -6 - PETUNIA FESTIVAL
July 5 -- Reagan Run 5k
July 4 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
July 11 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
July 12 -- Second Saturdays
July 16 -- Lunch and Learn @ Post House Ballroom, 12 p.m.
July 18 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
July 26 -- Soda Fest and Arcade Night
July 25 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank

August 1 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
August 5 -- Shop Talk @ Books on First, 5-6 p.m.
August 5 -- National Night Out presented by the Dixon Police Department 
August 5 - 10 -- Reagan Trail Days presented by Midland States Bank
August 8 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m presented by Community State Bank
August  9 -- Second Saturdays
August 15 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m presented by Community State Bank
August 16 -- Gardenstock
August 22 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m presented by Community State Bank
August 23 -- Shop Small Saturday
August 29 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank

September 2 -- Shop Talk @ Books on First, 5-6 p.m.
September 5 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
September 12 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
September 13 -- Second Saturdays
September  17 -- Lunch and Learn @ Post House Ballroom, 12 p.m.
September 19 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
September 26 -- Musical Fridays @ Riverfront, 12 - 1p.m. presented by Community State Bank
September 27 -- Scarecrow Festival presented by Hicks Insurance
September 28 -- Riverfront Classic Car Show 

October 7 -- Shop Talk @ Books on First, 5-6 p.m.
October 11 --  Second Saturdays
October 19 -- Ultimate Tailgate at Beanblossom, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
October 25 -- Monster Breakfast/Lion's Halloween Parade, 8 a.m. - 11 a.m
October 31 -- Halloween on Main Street

November 4 -- Shop Talk @ Books on First, 5-6 p.m.
November 8 -- Second Saturdays
November 19 -- Lunch and Learn @ Post House Ballroom, 12 p.m.
November 30 -- Sauk Valley Shop Small

December 2 -- Shop Talk @ Books on First, 5-6 p.m.
December 5 -  CHRISTMAS WALK
December 6--  Christmas Walk Breakfast with Santa, Post House Ballroom/LCCOA
December 13 -- Second Saturdays

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Party in Downtown Dixon!

The Rock River Valley Shamrock Club will be holding its annual Parade & Party on Saturday March 15 at The Knights of Columbus Hall in Dixon. Parade line-up starts at 1-1:30 at DHS with a start time of 3pm.  The usual 50/50 tickets will be available along with silent auctions and raffles that help fund the local food pantry and the party. The best corned beef dinner in town, prepared by the Knights, will be available for purchase as well.  Music this year will start at 5-5:15 and will be by the Irish Band “Reilly” from Milwaukee. 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Four Tribute Shows coming to Dixon

Four Tribute Shows Coming To Dixon

Dixon Tourism is proud to host four tribute shows coming to Dixon.  All proceeds from the events will go to the Ronald Reagan Statue project located at Lowell Park and the Father Dixon Statue project located in down town Dixon.  Click here for more information on the Ronald Reagan Statue project.
For each show, doors open at 6:00 pm and the show begins at 7:00 pm.  Ticket prices are $20.00 per person if purchased before the show, or $25.00 at the ticket office.  Tickets will be available 30 days prior to each show at the following locations:
Dixon Tourism Welcome Center
106 W. River Street
Dixon, IL
815-284-3496
info@discoverdixon.com
Veniers Jewelry Store
117 W. First Street
Dixon, IL
815-284-3034


Dixon Main Street
115 S. Hennepin Avenue
Dixon, IL
815-284-0061
mainst@grics.net
Buy Tickets Now
barcode
Any questions can be directed to John Weitzel, 815-284-0431, sweitz1@centurylink.net
Friday, March 14th
Whitney Houston Tribute by Jazmine Katrina
Show opened by Center Stage Dancers
Held at the Dixon High School
Jazmine Katrina BiographyJazmineJazmine’s parents are Cuban and she was born in Long Island, NY. Putting her studies on hold for a while, Jazmine sang in several amateur contests in Florida with overwhelming success. Eventually she met her manager, Jake Hyytia, from Panther Enterprises. Together they decided to start her career in Europe. Since she is a perfectionist, Jazmine spent one year preparing her show and seeking composers to collaborate with.
Jazmine’s original material is in both English and Spanish. Her songs range from slow sensual ballads to dance music. Currently Jazmine has co- written and co-produced all of her music.
She began her tour around European discos and clubs with immediate success. Jazmine’s performances have included hundreds of Nightclubs, several European Summer Festivals, radio and TV appearances. She has also performed many times in different Cruise Lines in Europe. The last one was Jazmine’s Christmas Show, on M/S Silja Festival between Finland and Sweden.

While signed to K-TEL (Finland) for one album, Jazmine’s first single achieved international success. In January 1996, “Love Like Never Before” rose to the # 1 position in the Top Dance- chart of France for two weeks, dropping Madonna to # 2 and passing for example same week entries from Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi and Whitney Houston. It remained on the chart for 21 weeks, from which 14 weeks were in the Top 10. Jazmine’s second single “Woman In Love” was released in several European countries.

European success has inspired Jazmine to introduce herself to the USA. She made her debut to the Latin-American community by participating in the TV show, “SueƱos De Fama”. She sung in eight episodes in the show, which aired on Telemundo worldwide starting late 1998.

Jazmine appeared on the WB network TV-show “PopStars” in January 2001. She also made her first appearance as a “Whitney Houston” impersonator on “Your Big Break”, a Dick Clark Productions / Buena Vista Television production, which aired nationwide from November 2000 thru August 2001. She subsequently performed in several corporate events.

For the past 9 years, Jazmine has been performing as a Whitney Houston “Look-and-Sound-a-Like” for “Legends in Concert” in their venues around the world, including: Universal Studios, Osaka, Japan; Branson, Missouri; Hollywood, Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Atlantic City, New Jersey and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Centerstage DancersCenterstage DancersCenterstage Dance Studio has been in business since 1988, and is owned and operated by Cheryl Moeller.  Centerstage is dedicated to providing all students, young and old, with dance knowledge and instruction.
The classes offer the finest dance education in a challenging, creative and highly supportive atmosphere.  Located at 1701 Eyelet Road in Dixon, Centerstage offers recreational classes as well as competitive programsfor all ages.  Thanks to Centerstage for participating in this Tribute Show!


Saturday, April 19th

Neil Diamond Tribute by Denny Diamond and Band
Held at the Dixon Theater
Denny Diamond Biography
Denny DiamondSince his appearance on Dick Clark’s, “Your Big Break” television show in ’2000′, Denny became one of the most sought after Neil Diamond tribute artists. His voice has an uncanny similarity to that of Neil Diamond’s distinctive baritone voice and Denny’s stage presence is second to none. These combined with music by one of America's favorite singer/songwriters guarantees a performance enjoyed by everyone.

Denny Diamond & The Family Jewels are an accomplished family trio who have delighted audiences across the nation. They perform the music of one of America’s favorite singer/songwriters, Neil Diamond. Mixing in songs made famous by artists like Johnny Cash, Roger Miller, Dean Martin along with countless others. Then adding in some original music, they create a recipe for a performance to compliment any Group Outing, Lunch or Dinner Show, Theater Show, Fundraiser, Festival, Cruise Ship, Corporate Event or Private Event.
The show has been described as, “the Jonas Brothers with a hint of the Smothers Brothers and their dad”. It’s a fun family show that includes lot’s of audience interaction, toe tapping, singing and smiling.
Denny Diamond Band

Saturday, May 24th

Celine Dion Tribute by Elisa Furr
Held at the Dixon Theater
Elisa Furr BiographyELISA FURRWhen you experience Elisa perform her "Tribute to Celine" show, from the onset of the first beat of the music, Elisa enters the stage with a passion and fervor like no other performer.

With a magnetic stage presence and gorgeous custom made costumes, Elisa sails her way through an exciting set of Celine's greatest hits playing to the audience as only Celine seems to be able to do.

Elisa absolutely sings from her heart putting herself out there baring her soul for all to see. When you experience her sing with such power, you often wonder how she accomplishes such range. She hits the high notes with the same Power that Celine does leaving many to wonder if she is actually lip- synching. Singing the songs with natural ease, she gets the crowds pumping with "Love Can Move Mountains", "I'm alive" and dances around the audience to "River Deep, Mountain High". Inevitably, there is not a dry eye in the house as she powerfully holds that last long high note of "The Power of Love" and breathlessly ends the final phrase of "My heart will go on".

What to expect from the "Tribute to Celine show?" Elisa as miss Celine Dion, singing and performing in her unique poses and positions, executing Celine's facial expressions and the way she speaks with her French Accent, wearing her replicated costumes and of course the icing on the cake, the almost identical singing voice.  She is fast becoming one of the most sought out impersonators for corporate and private events.
Her rapport with the audience is natural and comedic featuring original monologues every time. Her eye to eye contact with the audience has every person feeling like she is singing only to them and makes them feel connected and very much a part of the show. It is not unusual to see a few people crying, who are just experiencing an overwhelming emotion.

Whether she is performing solo with tracks or commanding the stage with a band and her cast of back-up dancers, Elisa Furr can definitely fill Celine Dion's shoes as no other impersonator can. You will not be disappointed. Seeing is Believing…

Saturday, June 21st
Frank Sinatra Tribute by Dakota Horvath
Held at the Dixon Theater
Dakota Horvath BiographySonatraDakota started singing from the age of two: by the time he hit the age of five, he was singing professionally.
He appeared on many television and radio shows. Throughout the years, he has shared the stage with great talent such as the legendary Platters, Jimmy Buffet, Don Rickles, Natalie Cole, Howie Mandel, Martin Short, Gatlin Brothers, Charlie Pride, Otis Day & The Knights, Heatwave, Herbie Hancock, Otis Day & the Nights, Ten Thousand Maniacs, Lovin Spoonful, Al Wilson, Tony Bennett, Rick Springfield, B-52, Trisha Yearwood, Clint Holmes, Melba Moore and Tom Dreesen.  He has also appeared regularly on several hit radio programs including Jonathon Brandmeier's Radio Showgram, WLIT-FM's Melissa Forman Morning Show & former radio personality Danny Bonaduce
Dakota performed on the stage at the Jennifer Aniston-Brad Pitt wedding in front of many of their well-known celebrity guests and friends. He has also performed for the Georgia Music Hall Award Show and The Sopranos' Emmy Award HBO Party.
He has been appearing on great television shows for years, including, LIVE with Regis, Entertainment Tonight, Maury Povich, The Nude Hippo Show, Good Morning America and Jerry Springer just to name a few.  His career also spans to the silver screen where he has appear in movies like, Street Corner Justice, Silent Hunter.
His idol is Mr. Frank Sinatra. In 1994, the greatest thrill of his life was when he met Sinatra backstage at Sinatra's last concert in Miami, Florida. His lifelong goal is to sing and perform these great songs and keep Old Blue Eyes style alive into the future.

Downtown Dixon: Waxing Nostalgic and Inspiring Generations



{Consider joining DMS as a volunteer or sponsor in 2014

There is something magical about the downtown lights. There is something distinctly communal about the experience of seeing the lights twinkle as you drive across Galena Avenue Bridge or as you stroll past the open shops at night as the light pours out onto the sidewalk. Perhaps it is because our roots are in the downtown of the community. It is the heart and soul.

In Dixon our downtown continues to be a cultural hub along with being a destination for fine dining and unique retail shops. The downtown is where people like Orson Welles, Charles Walgreen, Ronald Reagan, John Deere, Abraham Lincoln, Mumford & Sons, Barack Obama, and so many others have walked the streets. The downtown is where every news outlet goes to get the pulse of the community when the word gets out that something is happening in our community.

On a typical weekday morning it isn't unheard of to find a cluster of locals solving the world's problems over coffee at Books on First or Baker Street -- the fabric of Dixon getting spun with every tale. Just across the river, Dixon High School watches over the children of our community and lends a regal-ness to our activities. The McDonalds drive-thru hums with a line of cars that never seems to wane as the treadmills spin across the street at the YMCA.

Midland States Bank punctuates the air in what was described as the "Skyscraper of the Sauk Valley" when it was built. And the MSB sign is a beacon for what comes next in our community.

We are filled with icons in Downtown Dixon: The Old Courthouse, the Memorial Arch, the Dixon Theatre, the great churches, KSB Hospital, the Riverfront, and the amazing architecture along First Street that put our downtown on the National Register of Historic Places.

Orson Welles once compared Dixon to a Norman Rockwell painting. Dixon is a slice of Americana that waxes nostalgia and inspires generations.

That is where Dixon Main Street comes in as a steward for the future with an eye on the past. We must preserve our heritage while creating a future that compels and inspires the world around us. When people hear Dixon the images should flood through their mind like the waters of the Rock River: It must be our mission to wow the world and ourselves each day.

Dixon, there is no other place like it. Help us keep the foundation strong. Help us cultivate our rich local cultural scene. Help us preserve the past. 2014 will be another amazing year in our history, we need you to help make it happen.

I invite anyone who wants to be a part of making Dixon dynamic to join DMS as a volunteer or sponsor. You can email me at mainst@grics.net or call 815-288-2308. Or simply come to our new volunteer meeting on Monday, February 10 at 6 p.m. at the Main Street office, 115 S. Hennepin Ave. Or find out more about Dixon Main Street at www.dixonmainstreet.com or www.facebook.com/dixonmainstreet.

This column originally appeared in the February 2014 Sauk Valley Sun Newspaper.