Dixie Day Is On The Way
NORTH WEBSTER — Who would name something Dixie Day of all things? The North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce would in honor of the 86-year-old stern wheel paddle boat cruising Webster Lake, not the Confederate States of America.
Dixie Day Festival and Art Fair celebrates the Dixie boat and all things North Webster Saturday, July 25. It has expanded from its original site along SR 13 in downtown North Webster and North Webster Town Park, 405 E. Dixie Drive, and now includes the Mermaid Festival Grounds, 418 W. Washington St.
Activities
A North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce information booth with maps and schedules is located at the downtown stoplight’s southeast corner at SR 13 and East Washington Street on Pilcher Shoe’s Lawn. Commemorative T-shirts, cook books, Dixie cruise schedules and business information are also on hand at the booth. It is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Check for participating local businesses and restaurants that are offering special Dixie Day deals as well.
The day starts off with a 5K fun run and walk with a scenic route on parts of Webster Lake. Registration begins from 6:45 a.m.-7:45 a.m. with the 5K taking off at 8 a.m. This is a sanctioned race and awards will be given in various age groups. Both registration and the race take place at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St. (SR 13); the finish line is at Dixie Landing in North Webster Town Park.
Things really start hopping from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. when the juried Art Fair and Open Air Market are open for viewing and shopping. Leisurely stroll SR 13 and Pilcher Shoe’s Lawn for vendors of all kinds and the antique tent sale.
Two blocks away at the Mermaid Festival Grounds, the Dixie Day Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show will be going on as well as the Vintage Snowmobile Show from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.There is a top price of $500 for the car show and awards will be given at 2:30 p.m.
A wide variety of food vendors will be placed throughout the area for the Dixie Day.
The Dixie boat has added extra cruises at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to the already scheduled 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. outings.The price to ride the Dixie and hear the narration on its history and the lake remains at $7.
Family games will be available to play in North Webster Town Park from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Detours
Note there is a detour around North Webster because a bridge is being replace south of North Webster on SR 13.
The detour posted at SR 13 and US 6 is okay to ignore. Just continue down SR 13 through Syracuse into North Webster.
If coming from US 30, go north on SR 13 to East CR 200N. The landmark is Loose Moose Sports. Take it to North CR 850E and turn left at Jellystone Camp Ground. Continue on North CR 850E to East CR 400N. Turn left. Continue back to SR 13 at Brenspeed Motors. Turn right and head into North Webster.