Downtown Dixon welcomed beer lovers from across the region Oct. 18 for the 15th annual Brewski Fest, a craft beer stroll that brought in more than 250 attendees and featured 16 breweries from across California. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Downtown Dixon welcomed beer lovers from across the region Oct. 18 for the 15th annual Brewski Fest, a craft beer stroll that brought in more than 250 attendees and featured 16 breweries from across California.

Organized by the Downtown Dixon Business Association, Brewski Fest ran from 4 to 8 p.m. and served as a fundraiser for the city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. According to the association’s President Jill Orr, the event saw a turnout of approximately 255 participants, which is up from 220 last year.

“Brewski Fest started 15 years ago as a counterpart to our wine stroll,” said Orr. “We thought, ‘Why not do one for beer too?’ Both events help fund the Christmas lighting, which is a huge community tradition.”

Guests checked in at Pardi Plaza, where they received commemorative glasses and event maps. Seventeen downtown businesses hosted beer tasting stations, including Bud’s Pub & Grill, Rohwer Insurance, Luke’s Lounge and the newly opened Rodriguez Western Wear, located in the former Dixon Tribune building.

Featured breweries included Ruhstaller, which served four different beers, Sierra Nevada with its seasonal Oktoberfest, and other regional favorites such as Lagunitas, Cali-Squeeze, Farmers Brewing Co., and Blue Lagoon.

A new attraction at this year’s event was live music from local band Smokehouse Reunion, which performed throughout the evening.

“Adding live music really elevated the whole experience,” said Orr. “It made downtown feel lively and festive.”

Seventeen downtown businesses hosted beer tasting stations, including Bud’s Pub & Grill, Rohwer Insurance, Luke’s Lounge and the newly opened Rodriguez Western Wear in the former Dixon Tribune building. The Rodriguez family (pictured) was happy to participate in the event. Photo by Nicolas Brown

The event also brought a boost to local businesses. Events such as Brewski Fest are critical to downtown Dixon’s economic vitality, according to Orr.

“It brings synergy to downtown. People discover new shops, like Rodriguez Western Wear, and experience Dixon for the first time,” said Orr. “It’s a great way to bring foot traffic and get people excited about our local businesses.”

To ensure public safety, the Downtown Dixon Business Association coordinated with local police and hired two officers to remain on-site throughout the event.

The Downtown Dixon Business Association is preparing for several upcoming community events, including the Halloween Hunt from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 31, a family-friendly trick-or-treat event involving downtown businesses. The Holiday Open House is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 22, featuring treats, raffles and an opportunity for children to meet Santa Claus.

To ensure public safety, the Downtown Dixon Business Association coordinated with local police and hired two officers to remain on-site throughout the event. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Applications for the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival parade floats are now open. All entries must be decorated with lights and provide their own power source. More information can be found at downtowndixonca.com or on the Downtown Dixon Business Association Facebook page.

Orr offered thanks to community partners who helped decorate the downtown area, including Cool Patch Pumpkins, Barrett Hay Services and the volunteer team responsible for maintaining and painting the wooden holiday decorations.

“The fundraiser was extremely successful,” said Orr. “We had great weather, great beer and a fantastic group of people. It’s all about creating a space that people want to visit.”

For more information, visit downtowndixonca.com/events or call 707-678-8400.