Lambtown finds its way

It has regained its space at the Dixon Mayfair grounds, which means the return of sheepdog trials and the shearing competition, both of which were absent last year when the venue moved to Hall Park.

It has worked out the issues raised by the Health Department, which means guests should have little trouble sampling the results of the cooking competition.

And the accompanying Fiber Fair just keeps growing, with the addition of an angora rabbit show and demonstrations to a lineup that already includes wool, alpaca and mohair.

The festival also is expanding its focus on lamb by sponsoring Lamb rib eating contest.

Toss in the entertainment lineup and assorted vendors and contests, and visitors should find plenty to keep them busy from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 19.

In the 1980s, Lambtown was conceived as a community festival that celebrated Dixon's biggest claim to fame. The festival has had some growing pains through the years, but it always manages to get through them, probably because it never lost its focus. It is a festival run by the community, for the community.

Some residents volunteer their time to organize the various aspects of the fair. Others are called upon to demonstrate their skills, provide entertainment or compete in the contests. Even more are invited to attend, and while Lambtown draws people from outside the area, too, it is primarily a local

Last year, Lambtown needed some extra help to keep it going and found assistance through Dixon's City Council. This year, the festival appears to be standing on its own, ready to continue its traditions.

It's a welcome return of Lambtown USA.

posted by Don "Moses" Lerman  # 10:27 AM