Community Corner

Dixon Family Services Preparing For 17th Annual Community Block Party

Donations are needed to provide necessary equipment for the eagerly anticipated, annual event. The block party is set for Saturday April 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Women's Improvement Club Park.

Special to Dixon Patch

Dixon Family Services Block Party committee members are planning The 17th Annual Dixon Community Block Party to promote awareness of child abuse prevention as well as provide health and safety information to the community of Dixon.

April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and the agency uses the event to encourage parents to involve their children in safe and healthy activities that are available in our community.  Youth organizations, sports, scouts, gymnastics, karate, afterschool programs and others will be on hand to assist parents in signing up.

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Dixon Youth Soccer has been using the Block Party as the first sign-up event for many years.

Each year many local youth groups participate in the Block Party in order to raise funds and/or perform community service.  The Block Party committee recommends that booking is done early, as the concessions will not be duplicated.

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All food and drink items intended for sale are on a first come, first served basis. This is done so no group will be in competition with others for sales.

The intent of the Block Party is to bring people together, young and old, to have fun, and learn ways to keep our children active, safe and healthy. The day will be fun, interesting, and entertaining for everyone.   

Admission to the community Block Party is free and so are many of the activities. Many organizations give out free gifts to party go-ers, such as balloons, prizes, and other items.

An even larger number of businesses and groups provide free craft making, face painting, live animals to pet, youth entertainment and other fun activities throughout the day.

Organizers are looking for Block Party sponsorships from local businesses, service organizations and individuals.  Sponsorships allow organizers to offer a fee jump house for children to enjoy each year as well as defray the expenses of stage rental, portable bathrooms and other essential items.

DFS reports that the only confirmed sponsorship for the Block Party at this time is the First 5 April/Child Abuse Awareness grant of $300.  Money that used to come from the City of Dixon has stopped due to the closing of Redevelopment Funds.  Anyone that can help is encouraged to pledge a contribution to the Block Party so there can be a stage, bathrooms and other needed items. 

“For 16 years we have coordinated this event and there has never been a fee to participate.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that we will not have to start charging now.  We are looking for help from the community.” said coordinator, Cookie Powell

Dixon Family Services is also looking for volunteers to help organize, help set up the party, monitor the jump house, and other tasks.

Local youth take the stage with singing, dancing, and karate.  Organizers ask that youth groups wishing to perform call Dixon Family Services as early as possible, for stage scheduling.

Dixonites are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity for a free, fun, and safe family day right here in our own community park.

Block Party organizers welcome more participation and anyone interested should call Dixon Family Services. There is also a list of suggestions for concessions and activities for those who wish to get involved but don’t know how. Those interested should call 678-0442 and ask for Cookie or leave a message on extension 102.

The block party is set for Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Women's Improvement Club Park next to the Dixon Public Library.


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