Inside Dawson's Bar & Grill, this winery set up for pouring last year. This year's wineries include Berryessa Gap, Wooden Valley Winery, Turkovich, and Caymus. Photo by Debra Dingman

DIXON, CA (MPG) - On Aug. 17, wine and food connoisseurs will flock to downtown Dixon for the second edition, post the Coronavirus era, for the Annual Wine and Art Stroll event, an annual celebration that makes Dixon one of America’s special small towns.

Coming on the heels of a successful Grillin’ and Chillin’ festival last month, former Councilmember Jill Ferguson-Orr told the Independent Voice “This will be the best Wine and Art Stroll we have ever had.”

With wine glasses in hand, the format of the event requires patrons to sashay from business-to-business sampling various brands of wine and food and of course embellished with music and art displays.

According to Orr, vendors at this year’s event will include Kevin Johnson Realtors, Bud’s Pub and Grill, Busy Bee Yoga, Luke’s Lounge, The Moose Lodge, The History Museum, Creative Space, Cynde’s Place and the Sister’s Salon and Boutique.

"We are really proud of the quality of vendors and everything we do goes back into the fundraisers for Oktoberfest, Halloween and Christmas Tree Lighting. These functions are all sponsored by the Downtown Dixon Business Association and an enduring legacy of former DDBA President Rob Salaber,” Orr said.

Local residents visit with Kim Schroeder-Evans and her mom, Diane Schroeder, at the Dixon History Museum at the downtown Dixon Wine & Art Stroll. This year's event is Aug. 17, 4 - 8 p.m. Photo by Debra Dingman

Salaber was recognized along with former Fairfield Mayor Harry Price at the City Council’s first session last year.  At that session, Councilmembers took time to recall and pay tributes to Fairfield Mayor Harry Price and former Downtown Dixon Business Association President, Robert Louis Salaber who both passed away suddenly just before Christmas 2022.

“He was a fine gentleman,” recalled Councilmember Jim Ernest, who said he cherished the time they worked together.

In his tribute, Mayor Steve Bird said, “Harry was a saint able to bring people together. I appreciate the opportunity to work with him.”

The tributes were more effusive for Salaber, who died on Christmas Day in Idaho where he had relocated from Dixon with his family. He was buried in Boise, Idaho.

An announcement on his website, saiservices.com, after the tragedy read, “With much sadness, we announce the recent passing of Rob Salaber, P.E., our President, and company founder. Rob was known for his larger-than-life personality. He was a free-thinker and steadfast leader. Anyone who knew Rob understood his profound love and pride for his family. He spent his last day celebrating the holidays and enjoying the company of his wife, children — Ant and Nick Salaber — and their spouses.”

In an email to this reporter, his son wrote, “Robert and Mary moved in 2019. They lived in Dixon for 27 years. Dixonites lost a coach, friend, and tireless leader.”

An emotional Bird, visually shocked by the tragic news, dedicated the January 3, 2023 Council session to him.

“He will be truly missed and our condolences to his family and friends,” said Bird, who recalled that Salaber’s positive community influence included working as a coach for local youth sports teams in his spare time. “Some of the kids could have headed the wrong way but he instilled value in their lives,” said Bird.

Orr, in recollection, said, “We will forever be grateful to Rob Salaber. He was adamant to make our downtown strong. His vision has now come to fruition with the best Wine & Art Stroll we have ever had.”

For ticket prices and details about the event, visit www.downtowndixonca.com or call Jill Orr for information at 916-416-2876.