DIXON, CA (MPG) - For Dixon, 2020 will be remembered as “The Year There Wasn’t” – when dozens of well-loved local traditions were cancelled due to the historic Corona Virus pandemic.

Even the 145th Dixon May Fair, which was scheduled for May 7 -10,  will not be held this year. The fair has been the oldest continuing fair in California.

According to Bill Schroeder, President of the Dixon Historical Society, the fair is believed to never been cancelled before – although the Parade at least once was due to rain.

May Fair CEO Pat Conklin thought the fair may have been cancelled once before during World War II – but she wasn’t sure, and the Fair has no records to confirm that.

The May Fair Parade hosted by the Dixon Chamber of Commerce and which normally draws a crowd of over 6,000 people was also cancelled.

The annual Soroptimists Antique Show cancelled earlier.

So too was the 28th Annual Dixon Mother of the Year (MOTY) Award. The Dixon Kiwanis Club was to take on organizing those awards, including distributing over 1000 nomination forms to Dixon schools. But after all the schools were closed, the project has to be cancelled.

The Dixon Scottish Games, held annually the last week of September, have also been cancelled, according to Phil Venable of the Dixon Scottish Cultural Association.

So too was he Kiwanis annual “Breakfast With The Bunny;” and the Knights of Columbus St. Patrick’s Day Dinner; and the Dixon Family Services Comedy Night.

Still in jeopardy – but might be possible are the July 4 fireworks, the VFW Poppy Drive; Grillin’ & Chillin’; the Dixon Lamb Festival (the first weekend in October); the Downtown Business Association Tree Lighting; and some annual crab feeds.

No firm information yet on the Dixon Toys for Tots / Community Christmas Programs.

Dixon churches have cancelled most open services.  St. Peter Catholic Church cancelled all Masses, at the direction of Bishop Soto of the Sacramento Diocese. However, St. Peter’s is live-streaming a 9 am bi-lingual Mass every weekday, and on Sunday an English Mass at 9 am and Spanish Mass at 11:00 am. Congregants can post comments on the face book page during the Masses.

St. Peter’s church is also open daily for personal prayer and adoration. Parishioners may sign up for specific times for each day, both to make sure someone is in the church at all times. And the number of people there is sufficiently small. Holy Week services are also expected to be live-streamed.

At this time, it is unlikely there will be a community sunrise service Easter morning. If anyone plans to live-stream services, please email the information and links to:

[email protected].

If any person or group has current information on community activities, please also send that information.

Dixon has been blessed for many years with dozens of community events. At least the current crisis will help us all appreciate each of the more – and appreciate the hundreds of people who diligently work to make them happen.

On March 4, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist due to COVID-19. Executive Order N-25-20 was issued on March 12, 2020 and requires compliance with any orders and guidance of state and local public health officials.

On March 11, 2020, the California Department of Public Health issued “Gathering Guidance” which states that large gatherings should be cancelled. Updated guidance issued March 16, 2020, states that all events that bring people together in a single space at the same time (such as auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, cafeteria, or any other indoor or outdoor space) should be cancelled until further guidance is issued by the California Department of Public Health.

On March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered (Executive Order N-33-20) all individuals to stay at home indefinitely. He has regularly cited an 8 week time frame but has stated it could be longer.

The fairgrounds staff has been carefully monitoring the situation and reviewing timelines to be able to produce the annual event. Many steps must be taken to produce the Dixon May Fair and with restrictions placed on businesses and patrons the planning has been stalled.

The decision was made by the Fair Board at their meeting Thursday, March 26 to comply with guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for mass gatherings and State of California recommendations.

“While the decision was difficult, the Board of Directors has the utmost concern for the safety of the staff, the participants and the patrons during this unprecedented period in our history,” said Roy Gill, board president.

“This is a difficult time for all of us and we realize the economic impact this has on the fair industry, our partners, exhibitors and friends. We will be exploring ways to assist the young livestock producers who have entered the Fair to get their animals to market. We would encourage them to contact the Solano County Fair regarding exhibiting their animals which is June 18 – 21, 2020,” said Patricia Conklin, CEO.

Fairgrounds staff will be reaching out to participants and anyone who purchased online tickets regarding refunds in the next few weeks. Due to Executive Order N-33-20 the Dixon May Fair office is currently closed. The best way to contact the office is [email protected].

The Dixon May Fair is produced by the 36th District Agricultural Association, a California state institution.