Reagan Trail Days is going strong in Dixon with events throughout the week celebrating a Dixon tradition. Residents here say it's putting a positive light on a city that's been put in the national spotlight. The Dixon tradition is celebrating its 12th year.
"This should be a huge weekend," Executive Director of Reagan's Boyhood Home Brandi Langner says.
Reagan Trail Days commemorates the trail through Illinois Ronald Reagan traveled throughout his life, including when he was born in Tampico, going to school in Eureka, and living in Dixon.
"We each try to promote that during Reagan Trail Days," Event Coordinator Julia Nusbaum says, "Since we're kind of the "Reagan Hub" we tend to a lot more Reagan stuff."
With sidewalk sales, art shows, and block parties, organizers say this free event will help bring even more visitors to town.
"We're really trying hard to boost Dixon's tourism and boost that we're a great town to come to and a great town to visit," Nusbaum says.
In the small city more recently known for its comptroller allegedly stealing $53 million from the people she was supposed to serve, they're trying to move forward.
"The negative stuff is not Dixon," David Miller, who grew up in Dixon, says, "It's a positive city, it's nice here."
"It kind of ripped us apart a bit in the beginning, but people realized it wasn't people's fault," Resident Stan Woolzen says, "We had one, our comptroller that's it."
"That's not Dixon, that was one thing that happened," Nusbaum adds.
The city is celebrating its proud history.
"It's been a recent tradition in Dixon just to celebrate our legacy here in Dixon," Langner says, "It's a really neat thing to be proud of, and just everything comes alive."
Reagan Trail Days continues through the weekend with a day full of events Saturday.
