Once in a century: Dixon to celebrate ‘ZIP code day’

DIXON – The city has found a zippy solution to help community members battle the coronavirus blues.

On Thursday, for the first time in a century, the city’s ZIP code of 61021 will match the date of June 10, 2021, and celebrations are planned for the rare occasion.

It’s something that was brought to the attention of Mayor Li Arellano Jr. from a letter, and he reached out on social media to see if anyone had any creative, and ridiculous, ideas.

“I thought that’s kind of fun,” he said. “The public loved it, and I got so many interesting ideas.”

Those ideas ranged from a citywide water balloon fight and dance on the riverfront to volunteerism and spelling out 61021 in petunias.

The city plans to put together a time capsule, and the City Council passed a proclamation Monday marking Thursday Centennial ZIP code Day.

The pandemic has deprived community members of so much, and there’s an “outpouring of public support for lighthearted frivolity,” according to the proclamation. The city is encouraging residents to partake in suitable social celebrations for the event and promote civic pride.

Stone Bridge Running is inviting people to run 6.1021 miles in the 61021 area at 6:10:21 p.m., and Kaleel’s Clothing & Printing is making commemorative shirts.

Families can also explore the zip lines at Haymarket Square and Lowell Park, and general creative silliness is welcome such as arranging hot dogs on a grill to be 61021 and posting a photo online.


Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers joined Sauk Valley Media in 2016 covering local government in Dixon and Lee County.