The fireworks portion starting at about 9:30 p.m. used more than 1,100 fireworks to illuminate the town of Dixon. Around the same time, Ruhstaller Farm hosted live music in honor of Independence Day. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon rang in Independence Day with a vibrant weekend full of music, fireworks and community celebration, drawing residents and visitors alike to some of the city’s favorite summer traditions.

The highlight came on Friday night at Hall Park, 450 Hall Park Drive, during the annual Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks Show. Festivities began in the afternoon with recreational swimming at Pat Granucci Aquatics Center and open pickleball games at the Hall Park tennis courts. Families laid out blankets and lawn chairs as anticipation built for the night’s entertainment.

At 6 p.m. July 4, Davis-based band Now & Then took the stage with a spirited three-hour performance filled with timeless oldies, crowd-pleasing rock classics and danceable favorites. Photo by Nicolas Brown

According to Dixon public information officer Madeline Graf, the event was enjoyed by attendees.

“We had a wonderful time celebrating with the community in Hall Park. Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce and the band Now & Then for a great performance,” said Graf.

At 6 p.m., Davis-based band Now & Then took the stage with a spirited three-hour performance filled with timeless oldies, crowd-pleasing rock classics and danceable favorites. The band’s energy and nostalgic setlist had both youth and grandparents on their feet. As darkness fell, the night concluded with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m., featuring more than 1,100 shots that lit up the sky and echoed throughout the park.

According to Graf, attendance was fairly standard throughout the event.

“Attendance for the fireworks show was similar to past years. This year, with the cooler weather, attendees arrived earlier in the day and we had a larger crowd for the concert,” said Graf.

Besides vendors, food trucks and swimming, many Dixonites enjoyed the open space that the park offered, playing games such as pickleball, baseball and spike ball (pictured). Photo by Nicolas Brown

Several residents were enamored with the display, including Dawson’s Bar & Grill owner Jill Orr.

“It was spectacular; they really outdid themselves with the fireworks this year. It’s always a good time when the community comes together,” said Orr.

The celebration continued through the weekend at Ruhstaller Farm, 6686 Sievers Road, which hosted two nights of live music against a scenic, rural backdrop. Friday night, July 4 featured According to Bazooka, a folk-pop quartet whose eclectic mix of accordion, upright bass and guitar created a toe-tapping, joyful atmosphere. Saturday night brought Joy Madness to the stage, an eight-piece soul and funk band known for its blend of modern classic pop and new-age funk that had families and friends dancing on the grass well past sundown.

From high-energy concerts to dazzling fireworks, Dixon’s Fourth of July weekend showcased the city’s sense of community and local culture.