Celebrate Dixon will recognize the Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year and Ambassador of the Year, along with Firefighter of the Year, Police Officer of the Year, Veteran of the Year, Educator of the Year, and, new categories Dixon Educator of the Year and Dixon Coach of the Year. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon Chamber of Commerce will host Celebrate Dixon from 5 to 9 p.m. March 14 at Denverton Hall, 655 S. First St., recognizing residents, businesses and organizations for contributions to the community.

The annual event, now in its 63rd year, serves as the chamber’s signature awards ceremony. Dinner will be catered by Bud’s Pub & Grill, with a no-host bar provided by Dixon Rotary. Awards will follow the meal, along with raffles, a silent auction, dessert auction and a $250 cash door prize.

Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the Dixon Chamber of Commerce office, 220 N. Jefferson St., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or online through Eventbrite.

Sara Echarte, chamber manager, said planning for Celebrate Dixon began in November and involves a broad group of volunteers and organizers.

“My role is just kind of putting everything together,” said Echarte. “It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff, inventory on decorations, coordinating committees and making sure all the pieces come together.”

This year marks Echarte’s first Celebrate Dixon as chamber manager. She said changes to the nomination process and award categories are aimed at increasing participation.

“I just got nominations live last week,” said Echarte. “Usually, we have people write an essay and drop them off, but this year I did a Google form as well for convenience to entice more nominations.”

Two new honors have been added this year: Dixon Educator of the Year and Dixon Coach of the Year. The coach award is open to nominations for any coach in the community, including school, club and dance coaches.

Celebrate Dixon will recognize the Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year and Ambassador of the Year, along with Firefighter of the Year, Police Officer of the Year, Veteran of the Year, Educator of the Year, Dixon Educator of the Year and Dixon Coach of the Year. Citizen, business, nonprofit and ambassador awards are voted on by the community, with business nominees required to be chamber members.

Dixon Chamber of Commerce will host Celebrate Dixon from 5 to 9 p.m. March 14 at Denverton Hall, 655 S. First St., recognizing residents, businesses and organizations for contributions to the community. Photo by Nicolas Brown

According to Echarte, expanding the awards reflects the range of contributions made by residents.

“A lot of people don’t like that awards are being added,” said Echarte. “But I personally think it’s wonderful to see how many great people in this community should be recognized.”

Crystal Rico, a member of the Celebrate Dixon director team, said preparations include fundraising, décor planning and sponsorship coordination.

“We sell raffle tickets at the event,” said Rico. “There’s a lot of planning when it comes to table planning, décor, raffle baskets and sponsorships.”

According to Rico, the ceremony has evolved over the years to include more honorees.

“In the past there were fewer categories, but we’ve included more honorees,” said Rico. “We want to make sure we’re representing a diverse pool of people.”

The nomination process is underway, with a deadline of noon Feb. 5. Nominations must include a signed letter detailing the nominee’s service and community involvement. Submissions can be made by mail, email, in person or through an online form available at dixonchamber.org.

“The nominations are key,” said Rico. “Even those that don’t win are recognized.”

Both Echarte and Rico said the event relies on support from chamber members, volunteers and local organizations, including the Lions Club, Soroptimist and Dixon Women’s Improvement Club.

“I hope attendees take away a great experience and the desire to come back next year,” said Echarte.

The ceremony would not be possible without community support, including donating desserts and raffle prizes. Nominations for Celebrate Dixon are due noon Feb. 5. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Rico added that she hopes the ceremony highlights community support and the collective effort behind Dixon’s annual celebration.

For more information, visit dixonchamber.org or call 707-678-2650.