Congratulations athletes; getting ready for summer

As the spring high school sports season comes to an end, a big congratulations to the local students who competed in the State Track Meet last week at St. Michael-Albertville High School.

Competing for Byron were Ben Zimmerman, Adam Glynn, Jaxon Boynton, Carson Heimer, Zachary Vanderpool, Cody Swandon, Ryan Stites, Lilah Kurke, Carly Halder, Paige Halder, Ruby Rowland, Kailey Schneider, Taylor Matter, Madi Hamilton, Ava Mertesdorf, Claire Krook, and Ella Ott.

Competing for Kasson-Mantorville were Emmett Ricke, David Obst, Jonah Coleman, Karlynn Gustafson, Delaney Awe, Alexie Awe, Arabella Knudson, Sydney Knudson, and Keigan Cummings.

Competing for Triton were Pierce Petersohn and Craig Knutson.

Summer activities also get under way this weekend.

Mantorville is known for the melodramas put on by the Mantorville Theatre Company every summer and this year’s schedule begins tomorrow night, Friday, June 14. The first production of this season is “The Inheritance or Not Dead Yet,” written and directed by Nan Strauss.

If you plan on attending, please remember that Highway 57 through downtown Mantorville is closed for construction so follow the detours with an added reminder that this weekend the bridge over the Zumbro River is also closed. Hopefully the weather will cooperate, and the bridge will be open next week for those coming to town on Highway 57 from the south.

Over in Dodge Center, it’s time for the third annual Dodge Days celebration. Organizers have expanded the event to start on Thursday, beginning with garage sales starting at 8 a.m. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be root beer floats, a bounce house, bike rally, big truck display, and more. At 6 p.m. there will be an Open Mic at the Annadine.

Friday will feature a Fireman’s Feed at the Fire Hall, Silent Auction and Street Dance/Beer Tent. Rounding out the night will be a band at the Legion until midnight.

Saturday is a full day of events starting at 9 a.m. with yoga in the park and a chalk art contest and moving into a Canine Show at 11. Food trucks will be available and there will be bingo at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The day ends with fireworks at North Park.

And, of course, Sunday features the annual fly-in breakfast at the Dodge Center Airport from 7 a.m. to noon and a church service, by Praise Fellowship Church, in the park at 10 a.m.

It’s a busy weekend in Dodge County and this is only the beginning. It seems like there is a major event or festival going on every weekend including the upcoming Stagecoach Days, Hayfield Fire Department Chicken Fry and Street Dances, Festival in the Park, Byron Good Neighbor Days, Survival Days, and Hog Fest. Melodramas continue throughout the summer and, of course, there is the weeklong Dodge County Fair July 17-21. Mantorville’s Marigold Days brings the summer activities to a close in early September.

It’s definitely a fun summer ahead in the area. Enjoy!