Petunia Festival King
Tyler, son of Christy and Paul Zepezauer, is a student at Dixon High School, where he participates in Key Club, Student Council, and theater. He has served as a class officer since his freshman year and has played on the DHS football and track teams. Tyler works at the Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA as a lifeguard and also plays on the Jr. Rockford Icehogs hockey team. After high school he plans to attend a four-year college where he will study engineering or earn a tech degree.
Petunia Festival Queen
Tya, daughter of Lauren Cecchetti and Tyron Collins, attends Dixon High School, where she plays golf and is on the track and dance teams. This year she has enjoyed spending time in elementary classrooms during her school day, where she works with students and pursues her interest in education. Tya works at Dairy Delite
and My Play Village. After high school, she plans to stay close to her family while pursuing a degree in political science or elementary education.
Pinky Petunia
Emma, daughter of Amber and Corey Masters, and Zachary Olson, is a student at Dixon High School, where she participates in volleyball, track, and Key Club. She also played club volleyball in Rockford and danced at Centerstage for many years. Emma works at Arthur’s Garden Deli in Dixon. After high school, Emma hopes to attend Northwestern University or Purdue Northwest to study to become a Nephrologist.
Petunia Festival Attendant
Owen, son of Jackie Krull and Nathan Winters, is a Dixon High School student and is involved in the music and theater departments. He has participated in the DHS Honors Choir,
ILMEA Chorus, Dixon Madrigals, DHS plays and musicals, as well as community theater in Dixon, Polo, and Sterling. Owen also is a part of Key Club, Student Council, Choir Board, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and the Tennis team. After high school, he plans to study music education.
Petunia Festival Attendant Elyse, daughter of Angie and Jeremy Allison, and Kirk Stevens, attends Faith Christian School, where she plays volleyball and is on the school’s trap shooting team. She also is a part of the Key Club and Student Council. Elyse has a love of music, playing guitar, bass, piano, drums, and ukulele. She is on the praise team at her church, oversees the chapel band at school, and is employed at Culvers in Dixon. After high school, Elyse plans to attend Oral Roberts University to major in early childhood education and minor in music.
Source: petuniafestival.org/royalty/
Editor’s note: Schedule was current as of press time, but changes may occur. Check petuniafestival.org/ (under the “Plan Your Visit” menu) or find “Dixon Petunia Festival, Inc.” on Facebook for the latest information.
FRIDAY, JUNE 28
Sponsor Party (by invitation)
5:30-8 p.m.
Madwater Saloon 321 W. First St.
MONDAY, JULY 1
Quartermania
Doors open at 5 p.m., vendor sales until 6:30 p.m., auction begins at 6:30; kitchen and bar will be open
Elks Lodge
1279 Franklin Grove Road
MONDAY & TUESDAY,
JULY 1 & 2 (rain date: July 3)
KSB Youth Tennis Classic
Time TBA
Emma Hubbs Tennis Courts 1028 Palmyra St.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
Crafts with Royalty
1-3 p.m.
Dixon Public Library
221 S. Hennepin Ave.
Carnival
5-11 p.m.
In front of Dixon High School
300 Mark Dallas Way
Dixon Dish food vendors
5-11:30 p.m.
In the Entertainment Venue
THURSDAY, JULY 4
Dixon Boosters
Pancakes and Petunias
6-11 a.m.
DHS cafeteria
300 Mark Dallas Way
Brush and Bloom
9 a.m.-noon
Old Lee County Courthouse
200 S. Ottawa Ave.
Bingo
10 a.m. doors open; noon-3 p.m. play
Dixon Elks Lodge
1279 Franklin Grove Road
For ages 18+, small bills only, no outside food/drinks
Bob Maltry, Agent
709 N Brinton Ave Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-4206
Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and Visitor Center open
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
810 S. Hennepin Ave.
Old Settlers Cabin open
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Between the bridges
Carnival
1-11 p.m.
In front of Dixon High School
300 Mark Dallas Way
Dixon Dish food vendors
5-11:30 p.m.
In the Entertainment Venue
FRIDAY, JULY 5
Dixon Boosters
Pancakes and Petunias
6-11 a.m.
DHS cafeteria
300 Mark Dallas Way
Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and Visitor Center open
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
810 S. Hennepin Ave.
SCHEDULE cont’d to page 19
Cruise- In Style car show
10 a.m.-2 p.m.; registration begins at 8 a.m.; awards at 2 p.m.
John Dixon Park
515 N. Galena Ave.
Only 120 spots available for the show; $25 pre-registration fee (until June 30), at petuniafestival.org/2020/ 05/05/cruise-in-style-car-show/.
Same-day registration $30
Bingo
10 a.m. doors open; Noon-3 p.m. play
Dixon Elks Lodge
1279 Franklin Grove Road
For ages 18+, small bills only, no outside food/drinks
Old Settlers Cabin open
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Between the bridges
Think Pink Craft and Vendor Show
Noon-6 p.m.
Loveland Community Home
513 W. Second St.
Dixon Dish food vendors
5-11:30 p.m.
In the Entertainment Venue
Quiet Hours Carnival for special needs guests
2-4 p.m.
In front of DHS
300 Mark Dallas Way
Must pre-register at Petunia Festival Headquarters for a special wristband for participant plus one rider; valid only for the 2-hour designated time. Please note that no tickets or wristbands will be sold at the carnival during this time.
Carnival
5-11 p.m.
In front of DHS
300 Mark Dallas Way
Family Fun Night games
and Touch-A-Truck event
5-7 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church parking lot
110 E. Third St.
Ice Cream Social
5-7 p.m.
Old Lee County Courthouse
200 S. Ottawa Ave.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
6:30 p.m.
On the Old Lee County Courthouse lawn
200 S. Ottawa Ave.
Dixon Municipal Band Concert
7-9 p.m.
Old Lee County Courthouse
200 S. Ottawa Ave.
SATURDAY, JULY 6
Dixon Boosters
Pancakes and Petunias
6-11 a.m.
DHS cafeteria
300 Mark Dallas Way
KSB Adult Tennis Classic
Time TBA
Emma Hubbs Tennis Courts
1028 Palmyra St.
Reagan Run Registration begins at 6:30 a.m.;
8 a.m. run start
Ronald Reagan Boyhood and Visitor Center Home open
810 S. Hennepin Ave.
Elks Fishing Derby
8-10 a.m.; Registration at 7 a.m.
Between the bridges on the north side of the Rock River
Petunia Fest Trilogy Challenge V Disc Golf doubles tournament
8 a.m.
Page Park
614 Palmyra St.
614 Palmyra St. SCHEDULE cont’d from page 18
Register at https://tinyurl. com/3ed6kwa8
Volleyball Tournament
8 a.m. check-in; 8:30 a.m. play
Plum Hollow Courts
1923 state Route 26
Pre-register at petuniafestival.org/volleyball-tournament-entry-form/ Al Morrison All-Star Festivities
9 a.m.
Page Park ball diamonds
SCHEDULE cont’d to page 20
SCHEDULE cont’d from page 19
SATURDAY, JULY 6
Think Pink Craft and Vendor Show
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Loveland Community Home
513 W. Second St.
Nuts About Art Show
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
John Dixon Park
515 N. Galena Ave.
Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and Visitor Center open
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
810 S. Hennepin Ave.
Bingo
10 a.m. doors open; noon-3 p.m. play
Dixon Elks Lodge
1279 Franklin Grove Road
For ages 18+, small bills only, no outside food/drinks
Bean Bag tournament
11 a.m.; registration at 10 a.m.
In front of BeanBlossom Parking Lot
106 River St.
$20 per team for social play or $40 per team for competitive play
Dixon Dish food vendors
Noon-3:30 p.m.
In the Entertainment Venue
Dog parade (new event)
1 p.m.
Haymarket Square
317 W. Third St.
Pre-register by June 30, at petuniafestival. org/2024/04/25/dog-parade/ Carnival
1-11 p.m.
In front of DHS
300 Mark Dallas Way
Petunia Festival Past President and Royalty party
2-4 p.m.
Mad Water Saloon
321 W. First St.
RSVP by July 4 at petuniafestival.org/pastparty/
Dixon Dish food vendors
4-11:30 p.m.
In the Entertainment Venue
SUNDAY, JULY 7
Dixon Boosters
Pancakes and Petunias
6-11 a.m.
DHS cafeteria
300 Mark Dallas Way
Community Worship
9 a.m.
On the Reagan Stage downtown
KSB Adult Tennis Classic
Time TBA
Emma Hubbs Tennis Courts
1028 Palmyra St.
Carnival
1-11 p.m.
In front of DHS
300 Mark Dallas Way
Petunia Festival parade
11 a.m. line-up; 1 p.m. parade start
Steps off at St. Mary’s School
704 S. Peoria Ave.
Dixon Dish food vendors
Noon-10:30 p.m.
In the Entertainment Venue
50/50 Drawing
9 p.m.
On the G&M Stella/Main Stage Fireworks 9:30 p.m.
With accompanying music played on River Country 101.7 FM
www.BirdRealtySells.com
www.SaukValleyProperties.com
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
The Skoundrels
5 p.m.
G&M Stella/Reagan Stage
The Sauk Valley duo of Jason Tomasino and Athan Mireles mix musical influences from grunge/punk, metal, and rock with the more soul-soothing touches of southern rock, bluegrass and folk into what they like to call “Grungegrass.”
Class Field Trip
6 p.m.
G&M Kona/Main Stage
A four-piece ’90s/’00s pop punk cover band from Dixon that brings “middle and high school playlists to life” with a fun, high energy show.
Baja
8 p.m.
G&M Stella/Reagan Stage
Northern/central Illinois band with a soft pop/rock funk sound featuring a live horn section.
Rod Tuffcurls & The Benchpress
9 p.m.
G&M Kona/Main Stage
A performance powerhouse from Chicago
with an eclectic and wide-ranging repertoire brought to the stage with three-part harmonies and top-tier light show.
Kirkland
Afterparty
G&M Stella/Reagan Stage
A Chicago-based band originally from Dixon, and formed in 2004, brings its love of ’90s alternative rock and high energy pop punk to the stage. The group has written and released two albums.
Rosbrook
3 p.m.
G&M Stella/Reagan Stage
Performances from the Dixon music venue.
Half Catholic
5 p.m.
G&M Stella/Reagan Stage
With members from Dixon and Rockford, Half Catholic is a four-piece guitar pop group with an affinity for the classics and an appreciation for the contemporary. The group has released two singles, and their EP, “Art in Heaven,” was released in 2023.
Timothy Morris Band
6 p.m.
G&M Kona/Main Stage
Morris is an up-and-coming, energetic, rock singer-songwriter. Originally from Prophetstown and now a Nashville recording artist, the guitarist and multi-instrumentalist has released three solo albums, along with three albums with his band. Influences include The Beatles, U2, The Police, Led Zeppelin, and Rush, Muse and The Killers.
Mirabilia
8 p.m.
G&M Stella/Reagan Stage
An indie/alternative rock trio from Morrison, Mirabilia offers “sick riffs, bad jokes, and good times” with a blend of pop, jazz, country and punk rock.
Funky Monks
9 p.m.
G&M Kona/Main Stage
Funky Monks is billed as “America’s premier Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band.”
Trippin’ Molly
Afterparty
G&M Stella/Reagan Stage
High-energy rock band from northern Illinois. MUSIC cont’d to page 22
Where is the Petunia Festival located?
Although some Festival events are located throughout Dixon, most of them will be held on the riverfront area downtown. The carnival is held across the bridge on Lincoln Statue Drive by Dixon High School. Where may I park?
Multiple parking spots are available downtown. Handicap parking is available on the corner of Hennepin Avenue and First Street, where Festival maps are also available. Do I need a ticket for the downtown music venue?
Tickets are required for ages 13 and older. Entry is $10 a day at the gate, or presale tickets for the July 3-6 performances are available for $25 per person, at the Petunia Festival headquarters, 77 S. Hennepin Ave., through noon June 30. Payments can be made with cash (exact change preferred) or Venmo.
Do I have to pay to walk through the carnival?
No — however rides require tickets or a wristband , which can be purchased at the carnival. Presale wristbands are available at the Petunia Festival Headquarters. If I have to leave, may I come back in the music venue on the same day?
Petunia Festival Headquarters
77 S. Hennepin Ave.
Hours: June 27 & 28 — 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; July 1 & 2 — 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Contact: 815-288-PINK(7465) or petuniafest@gmail.com. Online: petuniafestival.org or find “Dixon Petunia Festival, Inc.” on Facebook. Watch for reposts of submitted photos with the hashtag #petuniafest, #dixonlove, or #discoverdixon.
Yes. You will receive an armband upon entry each day.
How do I purchase food or drinks at the Festival?
Food can purchased from vendors using cash. Drinks may be purchased with tickets sold at ticket booths. Tips at the Petunia Festival bar go directly to the organization serving you.
What if my child becomes lost during the Festival?
Locate a Petunia Festival board member, a volunteer at a ticket booth or a police officer who can help with locating your child. Tip: Take your child’s photo right before you enter the Festival and keep it with you
during the Festival.
What should I do if I lose something at the festival?
We may have some lost-and-found items at the Festival office, but most items we turned over to the Dixon Police Department. You can check with an entrance gate attendant or a Festival board member.
What should I bring to Petunia Festival?
Your ID if you want to drink alcohol, proper clothing, including shirts and shoes, sunscreen, sun-glasses, sweatshirt (if you get cool after the sun goes down), strollers for kids, bag/lawn chair.
What should I NOT bring to the Festival?
Anything that may create a safety hazard or interfere with other patrons enjoyment of the Festival, including, but not limited to: coolers of any size, backpacks (policy implemented by police for public safety, pets (with the exception of service animals, with documentation), illicit drugs, alcohol of any kind, food or beverages of any kind (exception: baby formula/food/milk), weapons of any kind, fire, tables, glass containers, bad attitudes. Please note that all bags could be subject to police search for everyone’s safety. source: petuniafestival.org/faqs/
