Bella Carroll, daughter of Melissa Meusel and Randy Wisenburg, is the 2026 Petunia Festival Queen. Bella attends Faith Christian School in Grand Detour where she is involved in student council as Junior Class Representative. She is also on her school’s volleyball and soccer teams. Bella is enrolled in Whiteside Area Career Center’s Early Childhood Program where she works with the kids at Kiddie Kampus. After high school Bella hopes to attend Augustana University to major in Early Childhood Education.
Seth Shaffer, son of Stephanie Sulski, is the 2026 Petunia Festival King. Seth attends Dixon High School where he participates in wrestling, Student Council, and Key Club. He also was selected and participated in the Hometown Leaders Program, where he learned more about our local government. After high school Seth plans to attend Sauk Valley Community College to earn his associate degree. He then hopes to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he will major in finance.
Sophia Wendt, daughter of Bob and DeeAnn Wendt, is the 2026 Pinky Petunia. Sophia attends Dixon High School where she participates in many sports and extracurricular activities. She is the Student Council Co-Chair, Key Club Vice President, and participates in the DHS Theater program. Sophia has played basketball, softball, track and field, and cheerleading for DHS. She works at the Elks Lodge and has also been involved in the Petunia Festival Ambassadors Program. After high school Sophia plans to attend a university to major in physical therapy or psychology.
Madolynn Kirby, daughter of Nicci Wright and Jeffery Kirby, is the 2025 Pinky Petunia. Maddie attends Dixon High School, where she is involved in many sports. She has played on the volleyball, softball and bowling teams. Maddie also has started her own small business where she makes and sells jewelry at local events such as the Dixon City Market. After high school, Madolynn plans to attend Sauk to study business, followed by Cosmetology school.
Each year the Dixon Petunia Festival Royalty Committee searches for candidates.
If you are someone who enjoys meeting people and representing Dixon as your hometown, you may be the person we are looking for! Our committee would like the Petunia Festival court to include the following roles:
Please apply for your preferred position by checking the box on your application form. (Only female candidates for Pinky, please!)
The candidates must be juniors with a Dixon address who are willing to give freely of their time during the Petunia Festival and on other special occasions. We are looking for outgoing and responsible individuals to fill these five positions. Your appearance will be required several times for several hours each day of the Festival and also for three or more area parades during the summer and fall.
Please download an application packet by clicking the button below. When completed, the following should be returned in a folder or envelope or via email (preferred):
Drop off this packet off in the mail slot to the right of the door in the Petunia Festival Office, 77 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon, by Friday, March 26, 2027. If you prefer, you may email a complete packet to hrdeanne@gmail.com instead of dropping off a hard copy. Complete applications that are turned in by 4:00 pm March 26th, 2027 will be accepted for consideration.
Judging for the royalty will take place Sunday, April 11, 2027 at 1pm at the Petunia Festival Office. Only candidates who are available for this judging will be included for consideration as the court is selected at the conclusion of the judging on the 11th and announced later that day.
Any candidates who are not chosen for the Petunia Festival Court will have the option to participate in the Petunia Festival Ambassador program. More details about this will be shared on April 11th.
If you have any questions, call DeAnne White at 815‐440‐0129.
The winning ticket will be drawn by our 2023 Pinky Petunia, Molly Oliver. Proceeds support the Dixon Petunia Festival, a non-profit organization. Winner will receive 50% of actual sales, up to $5,000 and is responsible for all taxes. Need not be present to win.