Dixon residents and visitors will have an opportunity to explore the city’s railroad heritage during Railroad Days, a two-day community event scheduled for June 20-21 at the Dixon Women’s Improvement Club Park, 230 N. First St. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon residents and visitors will have an opportunity to explore the city’s railroad heritage during Railroad Days, a two-day community event scheduled for June 20-21 at the Dixon Women’s Improvement Club Park, 230 N. First St.

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and feature family-friendly activities, historical presentations, railroad exhibits and live re-enactments celebrating the role rail transportation played in the city’s development.

According to Downtown Dixon Business Association President Jill Orr, Railroad Days was created to honor the railroad history that helped establish the community.

“It all came from the fact that Dixon became a town because of the railroad, so it was a given Dixon should do something to honor that history,” said Orr.

Visitors can expect a variety of attractions, including railroad model displays, children’s activities, face painting, gold panning and historical presentations. Members of the Dixon Historical Society will share information about the city’s past, while re-enactors will portray figures from California’s Gold Rush era.

“We have children’s activities, railroad modelers will be there, Dixon Historical Society will be speaking of the history regarding the Gold Rush days, we’ll have true-to-form re-enactments,” Orr said. “It’s a great weekend for families to come and enjoy.”

Additional attractions include a trading post where attendees can purchase themed souvenirs such as bandanas, train whistles and T-shirts. A replica train depot display will also be featured during the event.

The celebration highlights a pivotal chapter in Dixon’s history. According to the Dixon Historical Society, the city’s origins date to 1868 when landowner Thomas Dickson donated 10 acres for the California Pacific Railroad. Residents of nearby Silveyville relocated closer to the new rail line, leading to the establishment of what was initially known as Dicksonville.

Rail transportation quickly became central to the area’s economy, providing a faster and less expensive means of shipping agricultural products than stagecoaches or boats. Over time, the railroad transformed Dixon into a regional agricultural center.

Orr said the event will showcase how significant the community was during California’s early agricultural expansion.

“Dixon was once one of the largest agricultural providers for food in California and for other countries,” she said. “The trains would transfer food to San Francisco, and it would go all over the world.”

She noted that as many as 150 wagons carrying crops and goods passed through Dixon daily during its agricultural peak.

Organizers also view Railroad Days as an opportunity to support local businesses and encourage residents and visitors to spend time downtown.

“Everything we do brings commerce to our community,” said Orr. “A lot of the time people get off work, head down the freeway and go home because they’re tired, but this is a way for people to come down, check out our stores, check out our restaurants and enjoy.”

She said the event helps showcase the unique businesses and services available in Dixon’s downtown district.

Beyond its economic impact, Orr said Railroad Days serves an educational purpose by connecting younger generations with the city’s history.

“It’s a great big thing for our children to understand how we became a town today,” she said. “People meet people that they’ve never met. It’s a way to bring people together and to get to know your community.”

Looking ahead, organizers hope to continue expanding Railroad Days by attracting additional railroad modelers and enhancing exhibits in future years.

For now, Orr said the event remains focused on providing an affordable experience for local families.

“This is a nice, affordable event for families to attend for the day,” she said. “There’s no admission.”

Railroad Days will be held June 20-21 at the Dixon Women’s Improvement Club Park, 230 N. First St., in downtown Dixon.

For more information, visit downtowndixonca.com or email [email protected].