Leave Your Mark

The Dixon Riverfront is brought to life at Heritage Crossing between the Peoria and Galena Avenue bridges. This area features a life size statue of Ronald Reagan on his horse El Alamein, a fountain and hundreds of paver bricks and benches throughout the Riverfront's main walking paths and common areas. Engraving a paver or sponsoring a bench will provide the opportunity to leave your legacy and will support the Riverfront project for years to come. Heritage Crossing celebrates the names of donors, loved ones, special remembrances and favorite sayings.

Your donation will be used to maintain the Riverfront development and establish the Riverfront and Downtown as a destination for tourism. Additionally, this will then assist in strengthening local businesses, improving recreational opportunities and supporting a beautiful venue for events.

Contact us at 815.288.2308 to learn more about how you can leave your mark on the Riverfront.

Enlarge Your Child's World

There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.
–Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

 

Children's books are beautiful. They teach us stories to be kind and share. They make us think outside of the box and believe the impossible to be possible. Imagination fills each page. When you walk into Books on First the first thing that over loads your senses is the smell of coffee. Then you see books, rows and rows crammed together. It is so quaint. But did you know if you turned the corner there is an even larger section devoted solely to children. The whole other section of the building is predominately filled with imagination and worlds that only exist in the innocence of a child's mind. If you have not visited this section for sometime or have never visited it at all please do! Because this is one of the most important but little ways to enlarge your child's world.

Books on First

202 W 1st St, Dixon, IL 61021

(815) 285-2665

Founder's Day

Dixon's Annual Founder's Day Celebration will be Monday, April 11th. Dinner will be at 6 pm.with the FREE program starting at 7 pm. This year's topic is "The Bloody Gulch Murder"

Once you get off of I-88 heading into the great town of Dixon the first intersection you see hangs the sign Bloody Gulch Rd. Daunting and welcoming, it has a story behind it! It was September 1885, and a farmer noticed that his cattle were skittish. As it turns out, there was a reason for the animals' unrest. In a ditch near the road was the body of 17-year-old  Frank Thiel, a traveling Bible salesman from Elgin, Illinois. 

To learn more about the road that introduces you to our town, come to Founder's Day for this educational program. It will be presented  by John Thompson with special guest John Thiel's, the great nephew of the victim Frank Thiel.

Soups and sandwiches provided by Ginkgo Tree will be available for purchase.

March Lunch and Learn

Dixon Main Street has this awesome program called Lunch & Learn. It is a bi-monthly program that is the 3rd Wednesday from 12-1 p.m. Each one has a different local caterer and presentation. The food is great and only $3. 

The last presentation was on Lee County Volunteer Corps. They are a volunteer organization partnering with Lee County Emergency Management and Lee County Health Department in order to be ready to serve in a wide array of emergencies that may come our way to learn more about who they are and what they do check them out at http://www.lcvcillinois.org/ or at https://www.facebook.com/lcvcillinois. 

Lunch was catered by the delicious Ginkgo Tree Cafe. 

Second Saturdays

What a great night of culture and art in downtown Dixon! There was a live painting demonstration at our local art gallery The Next Picture Show, live music at Books on First, great artwork hung at The Crystal Cork, open mic at Rosbrook, karaoke at Patio's, open jutebox at Val's. And lots of specials for Saint Patrick's Day. It was so awesome to see the streets packed and full of cars! Here are some pics of the night.

Spring Walks

One of the best things about living in town is the ability to walk and appreciate all of the things Dixon has to offer. Dixon is fortunate to run along the Rock River. Now that spring is around the corner the weather is nice enough to enjoy the beauty the river brings. After a long walk it's always nice to grab a sweet treat with friends! Thank goodness with have a bakery right downtown.

 

I got this yummy cheesecake at Baker's Street. Well deserved after a walk. 

Don't forget tomorrow is Second Saturdays! Lots of cool stuff happening for it so don't miss out! 

Live Painting Happening This Saturday

Have you ever seen a live painting? It's this cool magical thing where you can watch a white canvas evolve into emotion and imaging right before your eyes. We are so excited that this opportunity will be happening this Saturday at The Next Picture show in downtown Dixon. 

Beverly Garcia is having her opening reception on Second Saturdays, March 12th from 6 pm to 8 pm. During this time she will be painting in the front section of TNPS. The show itself will be held March 1st through April 2nd.

Garcia began her art studies in 1984 with classes at Studio in the Woods in Wauconda. She continued her studies in workshops with many nationally recognized artists, took classes at the American Academy of Arts in Chicago, and at the Halstead Academy in Evanston. Her representational works are mainly of landscapes, still life, and animals.


What a cool way to get out of the house and experience art + culture with the low fee of free :)

March Second Saturdays

March Second Saturdays 

March 12th start at 6 p.m. in downtown Dixon

Second Saturdays is a monthly cultural event in downtown Dixon. Small businesses host a variety of artists and musicians for a night of entertainment.


Books on First
202 W First Street 815.285.2665
Live Music by Acoustic Circus 7-9 p.m.


The Crystal Cork Wine Shoppe
219 W First Street 815.285.3496
America on Metal by Brian Strock 6-10 p.m.


Patio’s Irish Pub
222 W First Street 815.288.2395
Music by James Gang starting at 8:30 p.m.


Rosbrook Studio
107 S Peoria Ave 815.973.4476
Open Mic. a variety of musicians will take the stage to share their music at this family friendly event 7-12 p.m.


The Next Picture Show
113 W First St 815.288.2395
Live painting demonstration by Bev Garcia 6-8 p.m.


Val’s Place
316 W First Street 815.288.1171

Open Jutebox

Volunteer Recruitment Meeting

Wednesday night we are hosting a Volunteer Recruitment Meeting. This meeting will be the cornerstone of recruiting volunteers to help with our mission at DMS. People always have questions about this though. So we decided to do a Q&A about  what it means to volunteer with DMS.

What does a volunteer do?

Volunteers help us to attain our goals and objectives.  Main Street is always looking for volunteers, no matter how big or small the contribution.  If you are able to make phone calls to remind    people about meetings or check on information, there’s a spot for you.  If you are not able to make regular meetings, but want to be involved in Main Street, perhaps you have a few days a year to assist with events.

Why volunteer?

It is satisfying to do useful work that benefits one’s town . Volunteering offers many benefits and opportunities for the people who participate.  People volunteer for a wide variety of reasons, especially wanting to help others. Think of volunteering as an exchange.  Today you may be the person with the ability to help but tomorrow you may be the recipient of someone else’s volunteer effort.

What are the expectations of volunteering at an event?

All volunteers represent Dixon Main Street, because of this we encourage you to reflect the mission of Main Street. We discourage smoking and the consumption of alcohol while volunteering. To serve alcohol at an event, you must be 21 years of age or older. 

To whom do I report?

Most of the events are planned by a committee.  You will report to your committee chair for questions, task details and schedule. The volunteer will be working with the Dixon Main Street  Marketing and Events Coordinators to make sure resources and ideas are being channeled in the right direction.  He or she will offer suggestions, expertise and follow up to committee activities, as well as represent Main Street to other entities. 

How are the budgets implemented?

Budgets for each activity are developed prior to the event, and must be followed as closely as possible. Rarely are you required to make a purchase.  Should that occur,  please check with your committee chair and retain the receipt.  An example of this would be picking up ice at the store.  

Do I have to keep track of hours?

YES! Tracking hours can show the level of commitment to our organization and the level of  your investment in downtown.  You will be given “volunteer hour” forms in order to keep track of your hours.  Only you know how many hours you donate.  We ask that you log into our volunteer log when you are doing any volunteer work.

How do I stay in touch with the needs of Dixon Main Street?

Most communication will be done through the internet. The Dixon Main Street Volunteer Group on Facebook will have postings of opportunities to  give back to your community. If you have not already done so,  please make sure to add yourself to the group and like our page at Facebook.com/DixonMainStreet. We also have a monthly newsletter that will keep you informed the current event calendar. 

 

Still have questions? Call us! Our phone number is 815-288-2308. 

Can't make it to the meeting? That's okay fill out this volunteer form and email it to us at riverfrontdixon@gmail.com or drop it by the office at 115 South Hennepin Avenue. 

 

Open Mic Night Changes

Rosbrook

An artist co-op, with roots extending into the very beginnings of Dixon, IL and the Sauk Valley area.

 

It's a great thing when an organization has to change to keep up with it's demand. Rosbrook's Open Mic Night has done just that. They've announced the following new guidelines to help get all the local muscians in.

Rosbrook:

Due to the interest in the Second Saturday Open Mic at Rosbrook Studio, we've made some adjustments to ensure that every interested musician has opportunity to participate and to ensure a great music vibe for everyone! Here are the guidelines:

*Music will start earlier! 7pm!

*Solo/duet acts will enjoy a 15 minute set.
*Full bands will play for 30 minutes.
*Rosbrook Doors will open at 6pm on open mic day and sign up will take place at/after that time.
Ways to sign up for a set:
*Stop in at Rosbrook at 6pm or after on open mic day to sign up.
*If you're not able to physically come to Rosbrook at/after 6pm on open mic day, message us on the Rosbrook Studio facebook page after 6pm that day.
*If you can't physically come to Rosbrook at 6pm and you don't use Messenger, call or text 815-973-7824 after 6pm on open mic day.
Musicians who travel more than 30 miles to participate can schedule ahead by messaging Rosbrook on facebook or by texting/calling 815-973-7824.
It's exciting that this great, community musical event has lasted for several seasons and continues to grow! Thank you for making it great!

Keep on rocking on Rosbrook!

Spring is Around the Corner

It's that time of year again. Where you open your blinds and let the warm clean air come into your home. It's also the time when we start thinking about Easter Egg hunts and pastel colors. 

Pick up your Easter gifts at Books on First. They have a great selection to choose from. I personally can never decide, do I go with a bunny or a chick for my little one?

One thing I always can decide on is what cup of coffee to get. I tried the Carrot Cake and man was it good! 

Some things to look out for this month

Wednesday, March 9th 

DMS Volunteer Recruitment Meeting  

6-7:30 @ Dixon One Building

Saturday, March 12th

Second Saturdays 

6 p.m. @ Downtown Dixon

Second Saturdays is a monthly cultural event in downtown Dixon. Small businesses host a variety of artists and musicians for a night of entertainment.

Shamrock Shuffle

9 a.m. @ Log Home on Lincoln Statue Drive

All proceeds for this 5k will benefit Youth Programs at the YMCA and to help keep children engaged in healthy activities.

Saint Patrick's Day Parade

3 p.m. @ DHS 

The parade starts at 3 p.m. at the Dixon High School and runs through Dixon Main Street ending at the KC Hall.

Wednesday, March  16th

Lunch & Learn 

12-1 p.m.@ Post House Ballroom

Lunch will be catered by The Ginkgo Tree Café for $3 per person. The program will be presented by Lee County Emergency Management Services.

Sunday, March 20th

Sunday Concert

6 PM - 8 PM @ Rosbrook Studio 

Rosbrook presents the first in a series of free Sunday concerts. This event is free for all ages. Join us as we welcome the blues and psychedelic garage rock style of Celestial Motion Wagon to the historic stage at Rosbrook Hall.