Local volunteers and organizations also contributed to the event’s operation. Spencer said volunteers support the fair year-round. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Dixon May Fair returned May 7-10 for its 149th rendition, bringing carnival rides, live music, livestock exhibitions and community traditions to Northern California’s oldest fair.

This year’s theme, “Tradition,” reflected the fair’s long-standing role as a gathering place for families, students, volunteers and local businesses.

“Our theme this year is tradition, and that’s what the fair is,” said marketer Karen Spencer. “It’s a tradition for 149 fairs now. We always have livestock, we always have music, but this year is fresh.”

The fairgrounds featured attractions including Butler Amusements carnival rides, the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, live music performances, livestock competitions and community exhibits ranging from quilts and flowers to photography and preserved foods.

Spencer said county fairs continue to play an important role in connecting communities.

“It’s Americana at its finest,” said Spencer. “People see friends and neighbors that they may not have seen in years, so it’s a gathering place.”

The fairgrounds featured attractions including Butler Amusements carnival rides, the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, live music performances, livestock competitions and community exhibits ranging from quilts and flowers to photography and preserved foods. Photo by Nicolas Brown


Local volunteers and organizations also contributed to the event’s operation. Spencer said volunteers support the fair year-round.

“We count on volunteers; they make the fair happen,” she said. “From the Friends of the Dixon May Fair that help all year round, to the firefighter who gets in costume to be Sparky the Dog.”

Among the vendors was Fay's Sweet Shop, operated by Ed Fay. Fay said the sweet shop has participated in the fair for five years now.

“We’ve had this sweet shop for 12 years,” said Fay. “This is my fifth year.”

Local business owners Mayra Rodriguez and Michael Rodriguez, owners of Rodriguez Western Wear and La Casa De La Vaquera (House of the Cowgirl), said participating in the fair helps introduce their business to the community.

“Just getting known and getting our business name out there,” said Mayra Rodriguez.

The fair also included a wide variety of food and vendors, including sweets, western wear and plenty of souvenirs to commemorate the occasion. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Rodriguez, a Dixon native, said participating as a vendor has personal significance.

“I grew up here and going to the Dixon May Fair is always something we look forward to,” she said. “Being able to be a part of it is honestly nothing I ever imagined I’d be doing.”

Attendees said the fair remains a popular destination for students and families. Jaiz Williams, who has attended the fair several times, said the social atmosphere keeps people coming back.

“It’s the rides, the food, mostly just hanging out with friends,” said Williams. “There’s no point in going alone.”

Emilio Figueroa said this was his first visit back to the fair in several years.

“Hanging out with friends and having a good time,” Figueroa said of his favorite part of the event.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to interact with the public in a non-enforcement capacity,” said Heitman. “It allows us to educate the public on better driving practices and recruit as well.”

Inside the floriculture building, members of the UC Davis Master Gardener Program answered questions and shared gardening information with visitors.

“We’re basically volunteers,” said David Hutson, who has participated in the program for 17 years. “We’re trying to help people learn about soil, plants, and proper gardening practices.”

Hutson said the fair is one of the organization’s largest outreach events each year.

“You do a little table at the hardware store, you may get 20 or so, but here, you’ll get 300,” he said.

Attendees and organizers agree that the Dixon May Fair is an annual gathering place to bring together friends, families and neighbors. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Ann Short, a second-year Master Gardener, said volunteers complete extensive training before joining the program.

“They fill our heads with all of this wonderful knowledge,” said Short.

Additional Master Gardener volunteers included Tommy Martin and Amy Haug.

“This is a safe place to gather,” said Spencer. “It’s been here for 149 fairs, and it’s going to be here next year.”

For more information, visit dixonmayfair.com or call 707-678-5529.