Don and Wendi Hendershot were honored as Dixon’s 2025 Citizens of the Year during the Celebrate Dixon event March 14, recognizing decades of volunteer service, civic involvement and historical preservation efforts in the community.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Don and Wendi Hendershot were honored as Dixon’s 2025 Citizens of the Year during the Celebrate Dixon event March 14, recognizing decades of volunteer service, civic involvement and historical preservation efforts in the community.

The couple said the announcement came as a surprise, despite their longtime involvement with the annual recognition program through the Dixon Chamber of Commerce.

“When I received the email notifying me that I had been nominated, I was surprised, as I know many people in town who give so much time and heart to volunteering,” said Don Hendershot. “It was such an honor to be nominated.”

Wendi Hendershot said she had volunteered as a Chamber ambassador from 2012 until the pandemic and often helped coordinate surprise appearances by the families of previous honorees during the event.

“As soon as the announcer, Herb Cross, started talking about the things the honoree had done, I knew immediately that it was Don that they had selected,” she said. “Then my mouth dropped as Herb started mentioning things that we knew were about me.”

The couple said they were honored to receive the recognition together.

“Receiving this honor as a couple means the world to us,” said Don Hendershot. “We have tried to do what we can through the years to make a small difference.”

The Hendershots first became involved in Dixon through volunteer activities connected to local organizations and youth sports. Wendi Hendershot worked for Dixon dentist David Wilkins in the late 1990s, and both volunteered at community events including Lambtown Festival activities.

After purchasing a home in Dixon in 2003, they became active in schools, Dixon Girls Softball, park cleanup projects and civic organizations, including Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce. Wendi Hendershot has also spent 14 years working behind the scenes on the Dixon May Fair Parade, while both have served as parade coordinators for the past six years.

“This year was a challenge as almost everyone involved was new,” said Wendi Hendershot, crediting Chamber Manager Sara Echarte for helping organize the parade.

The couple said Dixon’s sense of community has kept them committed to serving the city.

“Dixon is home for us,” said Wendi Hendershot. “The people are friendly, hard-working, they all come together to get things accomplished.”

The Hendershots said balancing volunteer work and family life required teamwork and involvement from their daughters, Danelle and Caitlyn, who also participated in community service projects and events.

Among the projects they are most passionate about is preserving Dixon’s history. Since 2021, the couple has worked with local historians Alan Schmeiser, Bill Schroeder and Denise McBride to revive a historic downtown walking tour project first proposed in 1997.

Community fundraising efforts have helped install 34 historical plaques throughout downtown Dixon. The Hendershots are also preparing a 48- to 52-page historical walking tour booklet, a genealogy project documenting more than 10,000 Dixon pioneers and descendants, and a historical website.

Among the projects they are most passionate about is preserving Dixon’s history. Community fundraising efforts have helped install 34 historical plaques throughout downtown Dixon. Photo courtesy of Don and Wendi Hendershot

“We have put our heart and soul into this project and the historical research for the last four years,” said Wendi Hendershot.

The couple encouraged younger residents to become involved in community service.

“If they see a problem, be the solution,” said Wendi Hendershot.

“Do things without expecting anything in return except the satisfaction you will feel,” said Don Hendershot.

The couple also intends to start planning for the 150th Dixon May Fair Parade in January 2027.

“If anyone would like to commit to at least 24 hours of work and be a part of this historic event next year, contact the Dixon Chamber of Commerce,” said Wendi Hendershot. “Add your name to the parade committee we will be forming for next year’s parade.”