Trans Infinity Orchestra: A Night of TSO to play Historic Dixon Theatre, Nov. 30

} Infinity Presents: A Night of TSO, a classic holiday experience for the whole family -- Sponsored by Sauk Valley Bank

After the turkey and shopping are all done Thanksgiving weekend, families can unwind with the perfect kick-start to the Christmas season as Trans Infinity Orchestra will take the stage at the Historic Dixon Theatre at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Featuring a music ensemble that is second to none, an angelic choir of singers, and a light show that will wow the audience, the Trans Infinity Orchestra will present a special "Night of Trans Siberian Orchestra, a classic holiday rock experience".

"We really wanted to bring a show for the whole family to the Historic Dixon Theatre to help kick-off the holiday season in downtown Dixon," Josh Albrecht, executive director of Dixon Main Street, said. "And thanks to Sauk Valley Bank's support, we were able to bring the Trans Infinity Orchestra to Dixon to help punctuate Shop Small Saturday in downtown Dixon."

This unique concert experience is crafted with seasonal anecdotes and classic and modern holiday musical favorites. Trans Infinity Orchestra has played to sold out shows throughout the Chicagoland area the last few years.

"We were lucky to be able to book this very popular production for the city of Dixon," Albrecht said. "They are in high demand as a great family show for the Christmas season."

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets area available at Trein's, Venier's, Sauk Valley Bank, and www.dixontheatre.com. Tickets are on sale starting Oct. 23.

For more information on Trans Infinity Orchestra go online to www.anightoftso.com.

6,000 plus attend Scarecrow Festival Weekend

Thank you for your support of the Scarecrow Festival weekend. The event was a wonderful success as we had a crowd of more than 5,000 at the Scarecrow Festival. Including the Here Come the Mummies concert and the Homecoming parade on Friday, total weekend attendance was well over 6,000 people! The event was bolstered by the cooperative efforts of the United Way of Lee County this year as their Campaign Kick-Off added to this wonderful community event, along with cooperative efforts with the Dixon Theatre and Dixon High School.

Event  Highlights and Fun Facts:

- Doggy Zoo featured 80 breeds of dogs and brought people from throughout northern Illinois to show off their dogs and participate in this featured event.

-600 pumpkins were painting in just 3 hours at the Pumpkin Painting booth.

- $400 was raised by the Sauk Valley Bank Dunk Tank and will be donated to the Dixon Public Library.

-United Way featured 20 of their agencies as part of their Kick-Off event on First Street.

- There were activities featured on every block of First Street from Ottawa Avenue to Highland Avenue. In addition to using the Old Courthouse Lawn and listing the Park Districts Farmer's Market.

- Local groups participating this year included the Palmyra Hillbillies 4-H, Lee County Master Gardeners, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sauk Valley Community College Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Reynoldswood Christian Camp, Immanuel Lutheran Church, First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, MOPS, Project GenNex, and several others.

-Roxie's, a new downtown retail store, held its grand opening as part of the festival with music by Gina Venier.

- Homecoming weekend was the same weekend this year and we partnered with DHS to have downtown windows decorated and to have the Homecoming Parade come through the downtown on Friday afternoon.

-The Here Come The Mummies concert at the Historic Dixon Theatre on Friday night of Scarecrow Festival weekend saw a sold out crowd of more than 900 guests, with many visiting the city for the weekend of activities. The Post House Ballroom feature 144 Dinner/Show guests at their facility.

- A huge thanks to our Scarecrow Festival sponsors: Hicks Insurance, Raynor, and Dixon Tourism. And another huge thanks to our Here Come the Mummies Sponsors: Supreme Cleaners, Lost Lake Radio, The Telegraph, Val's Place, KSB Hospital, and Lance Refrigeration.

- More than 100 volunteers gave time to help make these events happen.

Ultimate Tailgate Cook-off and Bags Tourney set for Oct. 20

}Dixon Main Street and United Way of Lee County team up for annual event

The Ultimate Tailgate Cook-off and Bags Tourney is set for Sunday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m at the Beanblossom Parking Lot in Downtown Dixon.

This the 6th Annual cook-off event that features a Chili cook-off, along with a bags tournament.

"Once a year in the fall, the Beanblossom parking lot becomes a great tailgate festival with lots of chili and great food to eat," DMS Executive Director Josh Albrecht said. "Last year we had some fantastic food being cooked by local chefs."

The cook-off will be held in the Beanblossom parking lot of River Street from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Registration is just $20 and ends Oct. 18. Forms can be found online at www.dixonmainstreet.com or www.facebook.com/dixonmainstreet or by emailing mainst@grics.net. Cash prizes of $300 for First Place, $150 for Second Place and $50 for Third Place. Award for Best Showmanship and People's Choice will also be handed out.  There will be secret judges for the top prizes. Set-up for the event will begin at 8 a.m. as all cooks are required to prepare their entire chili at the event following Health Department guidelines.

Other great foods will be on hand as many of the contestants bring additional game-day treats.

The day also features the annual Bags Tourney, with registration for the tournament starting at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $20 per team and prizes will be awarded.

And, of course, a tailgate wouldn't be complete without football as we will have the big games on the outdoor television for everyone to enjoy.

Admission to the Chili Cook-off is $5 per person and admission includes tasting. The event is open to all ages. For more information on the Chili Cook-off, call Dixon Main Street at 815-288-2308.

The Beanblossom Parking Lot will be closed to cars starting at 6 a.m. Sunday morning to accommodate the Chili Cook-off. The cook-off is sponsored by The Stables, Drifters, Alley Loop, Royal Palms, and Zero's.