Jumping into 2008

Our mission statement is simple: To foster a spirit of community teamwork and to strengthen, revitalize, and broaden the economic base of the community area, while improving the appearance of the downtown area, and promoting and marketing Dixon as a vibrant place to visit, work, shop, play and live. This mission is ongoing, but the successes have been bountiful. From the Scarecrow Festival to the Christmas Walk to the Reagan 5K to the new House and Home Show, our events help to foster pride in our community.

Below you will find some of Dixon Main Street’s highlights from 2007.
> The 285-Eats and 285-Pubs numbers generated a lot of interest for downtown restaurants and pubs. With just a quick phone call, residents can find out about food specials and events that are going on.
> The new outdoor dining ordinance was created and supported by Dixon Main Street to provide more options for restaurant owners and consumers.
> Concerts in the Square was held each Friday in the summer and was a wonderful shot in the arm showcasing just how quaint and sophisticated Downtown Dixon is. Seeing the buzz downtown, with the music, the pretty landscape of our summer streets and the restaurants all filled. It was inspiring!
> Scarecrow Fest had record attendance. The addition of the restaurant walk was so successful that several more are to be held this year.
> The first-ever Saturday Christmas Walk was held, and it was a very big success.
> The Lunch and Learn program is a wonderful way to spend a lunch hour and a nice social hour as well.
> With the help of the City, Phase 1 of the Way Finding signs became a reality! The signs have been on the Workplan for a number of years. This year, the Design Committee finalized the report and submitted it to the City. With City funds and personnel, the signs were installed this summer. Phase 2 will be presented to the City in February 2008.
> We held a downtown cleanup. About 20 volunteers gathered, in the rain, to fill an entire dumpster.
> The P.RI.D.E. Award – Private Reinvestment In Downtown Excellence, is given to a Main Street business that has revitalized their property. They are given an award and public recognition.

And for 2008 we already have new events and projects planned as we continue our traditional events and programs.
> Dixon Fresh Facade Incentive Program.
> 2008 Dixon Main Street Golf Outing in June.
> A market analysis of the downtown.
> The House and Home Show in April.
> A new website: www.dixonil.com/mainstreet
> A new historical Dixon brochure.
> Fourth Grade Local History and Architectural Program.

We are able to accomplish all of this and so much more through the generous funding from the city of Dixon and public and private sponsorships.