DIXON, CA (MPG) - A block-long line of holiday joy filled downtown recently at the Downtown Dixon Business Association’s annual Tree Lighting Festival with what appeared to be – dare we say – at least a third more if not double people in attendance.

“Lots of prayers were answered. The rain stopped and blue skies opened up to kick off our annual event,” said Co-Chair Angela Meisenheimer. “Santa’s helpers handed out nearly1,000 candy canes to children.”

There were a lot of differences about this year’s event, but the one thing that you could easily experience was that there was more room to move about. With DDBA utilizing the new Pardi Plaza stage for the many amazing performers – and the crowds they drew to see and hear them – there was more room for fun at the opposite end of the fair at the Dixon Women’s Improvement Club Park.

There was more space to view your favorite little dancers or performers and eat a cookie from the Dixon Police booth. There was more room on the sidewalk for people to walk, more room to shop in the local stores and more time to enjoy a glass of wine or dinner in the downtown restaurants. Inside Calvary Chapel Church, children spent more time on their craft projects or colorings.

“There were lots of joy and smiles up and down the streets,” Meisenheimer added. The downtown merchants opened their doors and by the time they closed them later, there were many first-time customers who learned that downtown Dixon really does have a variety of quality retail.

Spreading out attractions also spread out the timing of the children wanting to see Santa down the block inside the Ole Vet’s Hall so the line didn’t grow as packed and was more easily manageable for volunteers guiding a steady stream of kiddos with parents bearing phone cameras.

That meant there was a more relaxed atmosphere that lent itself for shoppers to better check out home-made crafts, hand-made jewelry, locally made nuts and jellies, funny dish towels, sweatshirts emblazoned with the Milk Farm cow, and delicious treats. There were 20 vendors with several reporting good sales and positive greetings.

Across the street in the DWIC park, where the beautiful Christmas tree stood, residents were seen standing and chatting while their youth crammed into the Grace Fellowship Photo Op Booth or their children petting goats or riding a pony. Gary Erwin was perched near his sound system that provided traditional holiday music throughout the park and paving the way for the large, decorated Christmas tree lighting up.

The only complaint heard was that the Dixon Fire Department who traditionally sent aroma of kettle corn throughout downtown was missed.