Students from Dixon FFA hosted the third annual car show and tri-tip fundraiser Feb. 28 at Dixon High School, 555 College Way, drawing dozens of vehicles and community members to campus during an event organized largely by students. Photo courtesy of Dixon FFA

DIXON, CA (MPG) – Students from Dixon FFA hosted the third annual car show and tri-tip fundraiser Feb. 28 at Dixon High School, 555 College Way, drawing dozens of vehicles and community members to campus during an event organized largely by students.

The event was held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and, according to organizers, included about 60 vehicles, representing a variety of styles and eras.

Maria Torres, an agriculture teacher and adviser for the school’s FFA chapter, said the idea for the event originated with a student three years ago.

“The car show was a student-inspired and motivated event,” said Torres. “This is truly because of Cole Jacobson. He was a senior three years ago now, my first year at Dixon. He was a chapter officer and secretary.”

Jacobson approached teachers with the concept after researching how a car show could be hosted on campus.

“When he introduced the idea, I jumped in,” said Torres. “He needed an advisor to take on the event, and we had our first-ever event that February.”

The show has since become part of the chapter’s annual activities during National FFA Week, serving as a closing event for the weeklong celebration of agricultural education and student leadership.

Torres said organizing the car show gives students opportunities to develop leadership and planning skills.

“This is a student-run national organization, and it trickles all the way down to the chapter level,” she said. “This event displays and develops their leadership skills and their ability to problem solve, a lot of critical thinking, networking, reaching out for participation and sponsorships. There’s so much involved in any car show.”

The first car show drew more than 70 vehicles, a turnout Torres said helped highlight the chapter’s presence in the community.

The event was held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 28 and, according to organizers, included about 60 vehicles, representing a variety of styles and eras. Photo courtesy of Dixon FFA

“It showcased our program in a way it hadn’t been seen in a while,” said Torres. “It’s a great way to remind people Dixon is still here.”

A tri-tip fundraiser has been part of the event since its beginning. Meals are sold in advance to reduce food waste, and a tri-tip sandwich option for spectators was added in the second year.

Torres said the sandwiches sold out during this year’s event.

A parent volunteer, Frank Pitto, has helped prepare the tri-tip meals each year.

“He has volunteered his time, his effort and knowledge in the tri-tip making each year,” said Torres. “He’s amazing, his tri-tip is delicious, and it keeps people coming back.”

A tri-tip fundraiser has been part of the event since its beginning. Meals are sold in advance to reduce food waste, and a tri-tip sandwich option for spectators was added in the second year. A parent volunteer, Frank Pitto (pictured), has helped prepare the tri-tip meals each year. Photo courtesy of Dixon FFA

Funds raised during the event support chapter activities and student opportunities throughout the year. Torres said proceeds are used for items such as student scholarships and supplies for chapter meetings.

“The first year, we did not have a fundraising goal because we didn’t know if it would be successful,” said Torres. “The second and third year, we met our goal, which is just to raise enough to go into our chapter account.”

The chapter also receives support from a booster group made up of alumni, parents and community members who help support students in the program.

Torres said the car show serves to connect with residents and supporters.

“We had different individuals and businesses that sponsored the event,” she said. “Dixon really does pull through and come together for our kids, which makes it so easy to put on an event like this.”

According to Torres, community support has been noticeable since she joined the school’s agriculture program.

“I’m not a Dixon native, but to see the support, it makes my job easier knowing I’m backed by such a strong community,” she said.

Torres also credited school administrators, including principal Angela Brown and assistant principal Fletchers Riches, for supporting the event and approving its continued operation on campus.

With the third annual show completed, organizers said the event remains an opportunity for students to gain leadership experience while connecting the agriculture program with the wider community.

For more information, visit Dixon FFA on Instagram @dixonffa_.