One festive truck rolled through Dixon decorated with wreaths, lights and even a holiday tree of presents.  Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon’s Annual Christmas Car Parade returned Dec. 13, marking the fifth year of the community-driven holiday event that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The parade began at 5:30 p.m., with lineup beginning at 4:30 p.m. on East Parkway before traveling through several neighborhoods and ending in downtown Dixon.

Organizer Regina Fish said she launched the parade with her son, Nathan, as a way to lift holiday spirits during a difficult time. 

“During the pandemic, my son Nathan and I were talking about how to lift up spirits for Christmas,” said Fish. “He came up with the idea for a Christmas car parade. I thought it was perfect, because we’d done something similar before for the high school.”

The event has since grown, drawing participants from Dixon and surrounding cities. 

“We have people coming in from Vacaville, Sacramento, car clubs, people from all over attend,” said Fish. “Last year we had around 100 cars and this year we have even more. We’ll even have floats, which is crazy.”

The parade accepts a wide range of vehicles. 

“It can be a new car, an old school car, a tractor, as long as it runs,” said Fish.

Each year, the parade also serves a charitable purpose. Food, toys and coats are collected along the route to benefit Dixon Family Services. Hunt’s Hauling and Junk Removal assists with the effort. 

“They help collect the food, they do a trailer every year for me,” said Fish.

“It’s a husband and wife team, and they collect all the food, dress up their trailer and load up the kids. They don’t have to; they do it out of the kindness of their hearts.”

According to Fish, preparations for the event require significant time, especially now that she organizes it alone. 

“It takes a lot of time and effort,” said Fish. “I actually have to get in the car and drive the route to guarantee everyone can make it. Old school cars, for example, can’t hit dips, so we have to choose a route they can safely drive on.”

A range of cars participate in the parade each year. “It can be a new car, an old school car, a tractor, as long as it runs,” said Fish. Photo by Nicolas Brown

The parade is not a city-sponsored event, though Fish said it has earned consistent community support. 

“The police never bother us because they know we’re not breaking the laws and we keep things safe,” said Fish. “No donuts, no peeling out, just cruising and Christmas spirit.”

Santa Claus traditionally appears at the front of the parade. For most years, he has been portrayed by family friend Brian Guerrero. 

“He dresses up, throws candy to the kids, and ho ho ho, there he goes,” said Fish. “There are people of all ages there, both participating and watching.”

According to Fish, the continued turnout reinforces why she keeps the event going. 

“The gratitude of this town after the fact is amazing,” said Fish. “All the messages, the calls, the hugs. It warms my heart.”

For more information about the parade, visit the Dixon’s Annual Christmas Car Parade Facebook page or call 707-628-9771.

 The Grinch catches a ride on a car participating in the fifth annual Christmas Car parade on Dec. 13.  Photo by Nicolas Brown