Downtown Dixon closed to traffic at noon Dec. 6 as the city and the Downtown Dixon Business Association hosted “A Magical Victorian Christmas.” The annual tree lighting occurred at 7 p.m. in Women’s Improvement Park.

 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Downtown Dixon closed to traffic Dec. 6 as the city and the Downtown Dixon Business Association hosted “A Magical Victorian Christmas,” a six-hour holiday festival that drew families to the central business district for performances, activities and the annual tree lighting.

The event ran from 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 and included a stationary parade of Christmas floats and tractors, live music, train rides, vendors and an appearance by Santa Claus. The Christmas tree lighting took place at 7 p.m. in Women’s Improvement Club Park at 220 N. Jefferson St., where bleachers and a large stage were set up for the program.

Portions of First Street/Highway 113 were closed between East C Street and East Mayes, along with segments of nearby streets. Closures began at noon.

President of Solano-Yolo Rugby Club, Kelley Evans (pictured), performed “Jingle Bells” for an audience of onlookers to prepare them for the highly anticipated tree lighting.

“We want them to know this decision was made to ensure the safety of festival goers,” said Jill Orr, owner of Dawson’s and president of the Downtown Dixon Business Association. “It was hard to keep people from spilling into the highway last year, so the decision was made to shut the highway down for the festival.”

Live performances began at 3 p.m. at Pardi Plaza, where spectators gathered in brisk 48-degree weather. Groups included the Orpheus West Chamber Choir, Dixon Youth Cheerleaders, Dixon Community Youth Theater, Hālau ‘o Ku’ulei/Poerava ‘O Te Ari’i Cultural & Tahitian Dance Academy and Dixon Dance Studio. President of Solano-Yolo Rugby Club, Kelley Evans also performed “Jingle Bells” for an audience of onlookers to prepare them for the highly anticipated tree lighting. Mayor Steve Bird was also in attendance and offered words of community, camaraderie and Christmas spirit.

Festival attractions spread throughout downtown, including pony rides, a petting zoo and a horse-riding carousel provided by California Horse and Pony. The Dixon Public Library hosted a Christmas story time and stayed open until 8 p.m., while the Solano Library Outreach team distributed materials outside. Friends of the Dixon Library provided free books, and the Dixon Fire Department served kettle corn and apple cider.

Mayor Steve Bird was in attendance and offered words of community, camaraderie, and Christmas spirit to attendees.

Numerous businesses and organizations hosted activities and booths, including Dixon Girls Softball, Ramtown Karate, Dixon Rams Vault, Dixon Police Department and Grace Fellowship Church, which hosted their annual photo booth. 

Vendor Nicky Monk, a Dixon native and longtime real estate broker, said her booth saw steady traffic.

“I think this has been a nice change,” said Monk. “This is something bigger than Dixon has done in the past, and I think it turned out really cute. We did a little vendor booth with hot cocoa, hot tea, little toys, and they’re already gone.”

Sara Echarte, Chamber of Commerce manager, said the weekend timing supported local families. 

“As a community member who has a spouse that works out of town, I’m very happy to have it on a Saturday where he didn’t have to rush home,” said Echarte. “The floats look wonderful as well, and they are a great way to promote businesses and spread Christmas cheer.”

A live fire roared in front of Dixon Public Library as friends, families, and neighbors relaxed and enjoyed the evening festivities.

Lauren Rice-Springs, a travel advisor representing Dream Builders Travel with a booth, said she appreciated the turnout. 

“I think it’s a great community event,” said Rice-Springs. “I really appreciate that Dixon puts thought and effort into events for everybody.”

Mayra Rodriguez, owner of Rodriguez Western Wear, said the festival supported small businesses.

 “I love it. I was born and raised here,” said Rodriguez. “Being able to have a business in my hometown is exciting, especially a western store.”

Numerous businesses and organizations hosted activities and booths, including Dixon Girls Softball, Ramtown Karate, Dixon Rams Vault, Dixon Police Department and Grace Fellowship Church, which hosted their annual photo booth

Grace Fellowship pastor Paul Sheldon said the church’s photo booth has become a recurring attraction. 

Said Sheldon, “It’s just something we like giving back to the community and we have a lot of families that have made this a tradition.”

Volunteers from groups including Dixon Lions Club, Boy Scout Troop 152 and Dixon Sanitary assisted with decorations and operations. 

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

Live performances began at 3 p.m. at Pardi Plaza, where spectators gathered in brisk 48-degree weather. Groups included the Orpheus West Chamber Choir, Dixon Youth Cheerleaders, Dixon Community Youth Theater, Hālau ‘o Ku’ulei/Poerava ‘O Te Ari’i Cultural & Tahitian Dance Academy and Dixon Dance Studio.