Weekly updates with a Fleadh and more!

This Saturday will be a big one in downtown Dixon!

The Irish Family Fleadh presented by Dixon Main Street and the Lee County Irish Heritage Society will be a fun family-friendly event at the Historic Dixon Theatre at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 10. It will feature music by The Matt Stedman Band, a Chicago-based band that will showcase a variety of traditional Irish songs, a magic show by Jeremy the Amazer, and special performances from the Eastman School of Dance, who will give a preview of their spring recital. Tickets will be on sale soon through the Dixon Theatre at www.dixontheatre.com or by calling DMS. Prices are $10 for adults, $4 for kids and seniors. A $2 discount is applied when ordering online. Tickets will be available at the door.

Also, on Saturday night the Second Saturdays Art Happenings group has a full slate of events. Get the scoop at www.second-saturdays.com or https://www.facebook.com/events/398121146870385/

Now on to the DMS Events and Updates ...
March 6 -- Shop Talk at Books on First from 5- 6 p.m. Join area merchants in this informal get-together to talk about issues effecting local businesses. A great networking opportunity to learn from your peers. Last month we had a record crowd with more than 20 in attendance. In March, the Topic Du Jour will be Adding Spring to your Step! Free refreshments thanks to Books on First and C&N Supply!

March 11 -- The United States Air Force Band will present a FREE concert at the Historic Dixon Theatre on Sunday, March 11 at 2 p.m. The concert features their Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble. The event is co-sponsored by the City of Dixon, Dixon Tourism and Dixon Main Street. Pick up your free tickets at City Hall, Dixon Tourism Office, Dixon Main Street office or The Telegraph. Tickets will also be available at the Theatre box office.

March 21-- Lunch and Learn at the Post House Ballroom at Noon. Our special presentation this month will be by Dixon Public Schools Superintendent Michael Juenger. Cost is $3 and includes lunch catered by Fern's Cafe. Sponsored by Midland States Bank.

April 11 -- The 5th Annual Founders' Day celebration on April 11 at the Dixon Historic Center. This year, the program will feature a look at the Shaw Family, B.F. Shaw and the founding of the Telegraph newspaper. The event also will feature the naming of this year's Langan Award winner for Excellence in Local History, and the PRIDE Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a soup and sandwich supper catered by Fern's Cafe. Dinner is a $10 donation with proceeds going toward the John Dixon statue project. The presentations begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free for the program.


DMS Save the Dates
April 11 -- Founders Day
April 27-28 -- Community-Wide Garage Sales
May 16 -- Lunch and Learn
May 24 -- 5th Annual DMS Golf Outing presented by Sauk Valley Bank
June 1 -- Musical Fridays presented by Community State Bank begins
Aug. 7-12 -- Reagan Trail Days presented by Midland States Bank
Sept. 29 -- Scarecrow Festival presented by Hicks Insurance


A few quick notes from around the community. . .
March 10 -- Art for Art's Sake Fundraiser for the Next Picture Show at Sauk Valley College. Includes live art, auctions, music, hors d'oeurves and much more. Tickets are $35 per person. For details, call 285-4924.
March 17 -- Shamrock Club's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
March 18 -- The American Roots/Celtic Soul duo, Switchback, will be returning to Dixon for their 7th annual Irish Music concert at the Dixon High School Auditorium on March 18 at 4pm. Tickets are $10 for anyone 13 and over. The Kosier Studio of Dance Irish Dancers will be performing.
March 24 -- Ken Nelson Auto's 26th Annual Customer Appreciation Breakfast 7-11a.m.
March 24 -- Rotary Club Shrimp Boil and Chili Bowl
March 30 -- LCCOA/Post House Ballroom Prom. Music by Acoustic Circus.
March 31 -- Kiwanis Clubs of Dixon Annual Pancake and Sausage Day from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the High School Cafeteria. Donation is $6 for adults and $3 for kids.
April 20 - The Expressions Art Sale and Reception is the first of two major fundraisers for the Sinnissippi Foundation (a 501c3 charitable organization) and will take place starting April 10, when art and silent auction items go on display at The Next Picture Show gallery, 113 West 1st Street in Dixon. The event concludes with an evening reception on Friday April 20 at The Next Picture Show from 6 to 9 pm.