Dodge Expo a thrill for area families

Now in its 24th year, the March 23 Dodge County Expo will feature more than 100 local vendors, a kids’ scavenger hunt, Rookie the Clown and live music. And it’s all free.
Organizers are anticipating a crowd of 2,000 attendees. The expo is put on by all of the local chambers of commerce, including Kasson, Mantorville, Hayfield, West Concord, Claremont and Dodge Center, said Kasson representative and co-organizer Jennifer Galloway.
“We are having a food court, which is new,” Galloway said.
Five food vendors will be set up inside, with Below Zero Donuts outdoors.
Also new this year is a mullet contest, with judging at 1:15 p.m. Natural-grown mullets and wigs are welcome, and the contest winner will get a trophy, prizes and bragging rights, Galloway said.
The 100 vendors will showcase local businesses.
“It’s to promote the businesses in Dodge County,” she said. “We want to connect people with products and services provided by local merchants.”
Providing live music will be the band called Hep Cats, who will play from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Also present will be an inflatable T Rex mingling with the crowd.
The Boy Scouts are making an appearance too, setting up their pinewood derby in the food court.
Each participating Chamber of Commerce will also make a basket to be given away as free door prizes to lucky winners. Expo attendees just need to fill out a ticket to enter into the drawing.
The Expo will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Triton High School in Dodge Center.