With October approaching, Discover Dixon is preparing for a packed calendar of events designed to bring families, visitors, businesses, and community members together. From chili and football to scarecrows, pumpkin races, parades, and Halloween treats, there will be plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
Ultimate Tailgate Kicks Off October Events
The October lineup begins with Discover Dixon’s Ultimate Tailgate on Sunday, October 11th in the Bean Blossom parking lot in downtown Dixon.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features a chili cook-off, with a $5 admission that allows attendees to sample the available chili while supplies last. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite chili, alongside the event’s official judging.
The Ultimate Tailgate will also include a bags tournament with cash prizes and 100% payout, a lemonade stand, and a mobile tattoo shop offering smaller flash designs.
The event is scheduled ahead of the Bears-Packers game, which has a 3:30 p.m. kickoff, allowing football fans to enjoy an afternoon of activities before heading inside local establishments to watch the game.
Discover Dixon encourages anyone interested in participating in the chili cook-off to register through its website.
Scarecrow Festival Brings Downtown Dixon to Life
One of Dixon’s major fall traditions returns with the Scarecrow Festival on Saturday, October 17th, which will stretch six blocks through downtown Dixon and feature more than 120 vendors.
The festival will include performances from the Dixon Municipal Band, roaming street performers, photo opportunities, food vendors, crafts, and activities for children. Local nonprofit organizations will also provide games and family-friendly activities.
Vendors travel from throughout the region to participate, including businesses and creators from Rockford, DeKalb, and the Quad Cities.
The community can also take part in the annual scarecrow contest. Businesses, organizations, and families are encouraged to create their own scarecrows, which will be displayed around Dixon before and after the festival. Judges will select a winner, with a cash prize to be announced during the festival.
Another popular attraction is the Pumpkin Derby. Participants create their own pumpkin and set of wheels before racing them down Hennepin Avenue. Registration begins at noon, with the derby scheduled for 1 p.m. during the Scarecrow Festival.
Additional activities leading up to the festival include pumpkin painting outside Dixon Paint Company, giving residents and visitors multiple ways to get into the fall spirit.
Discover Dixon is also looking for volunteers to help with the festival, including the Pumpkin Derby, the doughnut-eating contest, setup, and cleanup. The organization relies heavily on volunteers to make its events possible and works with the Sauk Valley Community College IMPACT program to bring students into its events throughout the year.
Treat Street and Halloween Parade Return
Discover Dixon will round out its October events with Treat Street and the Halloween parade on Saturday, October 24th.
The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Haymarket Square. Families and participants will line up before making their way through town with an escort from the Dixon Police Department.
After the parade, awards will be presented based on age groups before families can head downtown for Treat Street.
More than 20 downtown Dixon businesses are expected to participate by handing out treats to children. A map and digital information will help families find participating businesses.
An additional trunk-or-treat event will take place at the OSF Circle Drive on Hennepin Avenue, featuring approximately 20 businesses. Treat Street and the trunk-or-treat activities will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
The events provide another opportunity for families to dress up for Halloween and enjoy the community together.
Discover Dixon Encourages Community Involvement
While the October calendar is filled with activities for visitors, Discover Dixon also emphasized the importance of volunteers and community participation.
Whether someone wants to help at an event, participate in a contest, assist with setup, or simply get involved with the organization, Discover Dixon welcomes community members to reach out.
The organization also encourages residents and visitors to follow Discover Dixon on social media for event updates and schedule changes.
For additional information about upcoming events, registration opportunities, and ways to get involved, visit Discover Dixon at discoverdixon.com or stop by the Discover Dixon office in downtown Dixon.
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