Parade caps off fun

A clown shakes hands with Lucy Stonesifer of Dixon, as she sits next to her sister, Ruby, and mother, Valerie, at Sunday afternoon’s Petunia Festival Parade. (Chris Padgett/cpadgett@svnmail.com)

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DIXON – Smiling children and adults alike crowded the sidewalks on a sun-drenched Sunday for the 45th Annual Petunia Festival Parade, capping off a week of activities.

“We had a lot of participation in the community,” said Wendy Willet, an organizer of the parade. “We had a lot of parade entries this year, which is really nice.”

One of the most popular entries this year was the Chicago Honey Bear Dancers, who perform a song-and-dance variety show. The dancers perform worldwide at military bases, corporate fairs, theme parks, and parades.

“It’s a dancer’s dream job,” said Lisa Michelle, a member of the dance group.

The parade was a very family-oriented event.

“The candy is my favorite part!” said Charlette Cater, who watched the parade with her family. “I like waving my flag, too.”

Parade winners

Winners of the 45th Annual Dixon Petunia Festival Parade are:

■ Best Marching Unit – St. Anne School

■ Best Use of Live Flowers – 2009 Petunia Festival Court on the Dixon Area Garden Club Float

■ Best Float – Village of Sublette

■ Best Musical Entry – Dixon Municipal Band

■ Best Use of Festival Theme – Dixon Junior Dukes Cheer & Dance 

■ Best Entry by a Business – First National Bank of Amboy

■ Best Entry by Community Group – Living Well Church

■ Best Overall Entry – Dixon Public Schools

■ Best Equestrian/Live Animal – Poodle Skirts are Out & Comfort Dogs are In