Tickled pink: Sauk Valley soaks up Petunia Festival

Faith Garnhart, 10, shows off a tattoo given to her by Petunia attendant Nick Davis at the Dixon library Thursday afternoon. The entire Petunia court spent time at the library doing arts and crafts with the kids. (Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@svnmail.com)

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DIXON – At Page Park on Thursday, the old felt young, the young felt cool, and everybody stopped to smell the petunias.

The city’s 45th annual Petunia Festival was filled with the sights and sounds of summer celebration: rainbow-colored rides, smoky grilled foods and music from all directions, turning the otherwise serene riverfront into a sensory feast.

Among the ear-catching acts was the Prophetstown group, The Funnies, who kicked out rock classics in the vein of The Police, Rush and Jethro Tull.

“They were a terrific band,” said Dixon’s Rob McInnis, 51. “That band was very, very good. I’ve worked with rock bands through the years, and they’re a very good one.”

Other patrons were content to simply peruse the Taste Trail.

“We haven’t gotten anything to eat yet, but I’m going to get an elephant ear,” said Jessica VanDusen, 24, of Sterling. “Those are always good.”

Petunia board member Mike Sholders of Dixon said the festival has enjoyed a healthy start, thanks in part to a big crowd at the YMCA’s Family Fun Night on Wednesday.

“And that was awesome,” Sholders said. “There were hundreds of people down there for that, so everything’s been great.”