DIXON, CA (MPG) - Downtown Dixon roared to life on June 28 as the annual Grillin’ & Chillin’ Car Show & Rib Cook-Off took over the streets, drawing families and car enthusiasts for a day of chrome, barbecue and community spirit.

Organized by Dixon’s Action Team, this marks the 12th edition of the street fair event. According to Janette Barrango, who co-directed the car show with her husband, Rich Barrango, planning an event of this magnitude is a labor of love.

“It’s just a love of doing it because we love to give. That’s our goal: to give to the community. It’s a lot of work and there are only seven of us, so it can get tough. Our President, Megan Nieto, and Vice-President, Allen Nieto, are in charge of all vendors and crafters,” said Barrango.

From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 28, visitors strolled among more than 200 classic cars and trucks, from restored hot rods to custom-builds to decommissioned military vehicles.

According to Barrango, there were nine eligible car and truck classes with nine judges, each picked for their 20 to 25 years of experience.

The car show drew in participants from throughout California, including Gordon Ball, who experienced Grillin’ and Chillin’ for the first time this year.

“I love the camaraderie out here with this group of people,” said Ball. “Everyone has their interests and you meet so many people.”

Ball entered his Volkswagen, having grown up with the brand.

Robert Meyer shares the same passion and history, entering with his blue convertible Volkswagen, which he has owned for 15 years. Meyer considers the sense of community that the event offers to be the best part.

“We all share similar interests. Everyone’s a car guy out here, so it's good. I particularly like this event because the community is so involved. Dixon is just an awesome town,” said Meyer.

Other participants included Mike Neade, who entered his 1970 Chevelle. Neade said that he grew up around hot rods and now enjoys being able to compete and socialize.

Victor Harris, a three-year veteran of the car show, has worked in the car business for 50 years.

“I love being out here. The ribs are good, the cars are good and the drive here is good. Everyone is super nice and my wife likes the vendors,” said Harris.

Vendors lined the streets, offering artisan crafts and local goods. One of these vendors was Robert Wilson of Robert’s Custom Turnings, who crafts handmade artisan tools and instruments out of exotic wood. To Wilson, cars and camaraderie are what make the event.

“I like the interaction with all the people here. All the vendors get to know each other and I love the car show. The people who put this thing on always put on a good show. They’re very nice and friendly to work with,” said Wilson.

Live entertainment at Pardi Plaza was scheduled throughout the day, including performances by Smokehouse Reunion, the Beau Jeffers Band and a demonstration by Ramtown Karate.

Alongside the live music and cars, the event offered a rib cook-off showdown featuring more than 24 competitive pitmasters, including T & S X-treme Bar-B-Que, Parks Barks BBQ and Dixon’s own Braddah’s BBQ, sponsored by Super La Favorita Meat Market.

Anita Mangum of T & S X-treme has competed in the rib cook-off for three years and considers her tri-tip loaded fries her specialty. She enjoys meeting people and having a good time.

Parker Eastep, the owner of Parks Barks BBQ, has competed three times previously.

“It’s probably one of our busiest events. We cook 120 racks of ribs, 30 briskets, 16 pork butts, 80 pounds of chicken, 6 pounds of pork belly and we will sell all of that today,” said Eastep.

Braddah’s BBQ, a Dixon-based organization, was manned by Rob Magarrell and Randall O’Brion and led by Josh Banfield. The pitmasters have competed in the event about four times and enjoy the proximity of it to their homes, living only a couple of blocks away. To the three men, the event is good for the community because it allows more use of the downtown area.

Another Dixon organization represented at Grillin' and Chillin’ was Farmstead at Dixon and Dixon Dance Studio.  Lindsey Palmer, the studio’s sales director, was raising funds for future dance competitions.

Dixon’s Action Team oversaw the event entirely through local volunteer efforts, most notably from Dixon Leon Soccer Club and Dixon Water Polo, which were instrumental in setup, beer booths and kids’ activities. According to Barrango, events like Grillin' and Chillin’ would not be possible without support from sponsors, volunteers and community participation.

For more information, visit online dixonactionteam.com or call 707-803-4505.