Community Corner
Dexter Daze Festival Celebrates 39 Years
The annual event will include a parade, games and music in downtown Dexter.
The streets of downtown Dexter will be buzzing with music, crafts and entertainment during the 39th annual Dexter Daze festival on Aug. 12-13.
What started out as a sidewalk sale nearly 40 years ago has evolved into a community celebration that attracts thousands of people to Dexter every year, publicity chairman Laurie Kokmeyer said.
“There is family fun for everyone and a great place to see your friends. It is like a multiclass reunion and neighborhood block party," she said. "The entertainment is great."
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Festivities kick off on Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. with several kids' programs, including performances by magicians, a ventriloquist and festival favorite Colors the Clown. Other activities on Friday include performances by at 5:30 p.m., followed by blues band R.J. Spangler at 8 p.m.
On Aug. 13, festivities begin with the Dexter Daze parade down Main Street at 10 a.m., followed by a performance by Dexter High School band at 2 p.m. The band was chosen to perform at the festival after event organizers viewed a performance on YouTube.
Find out what's happening in Dexterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"We are always looking for ways to attract younger folks to Dexter Daze, and Orchid has some real talent," Kokmeyer said.
Also on Aug. 13, arts and crafts booths will be set up along Main Street from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., tours of Gordon Hall will take place from noon to 3:30 p.m. and a pole vaulting competition will take place at from 1-7 p.m.
As in years past, there will be several yard sales throughout the weekend. There is no charge to host a yard sale, and homeowners can have their sale posted for free on the Dexter Daze website.
There are taking place at this year’s event. The Dexter Kiwanis Club raffle and the Dexter Rotary Club playhouse raffle will both be held Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. The Kiwanis grand prize is $10,000, second prize is $1,000 and third prize is $500. Tickets are $10 each or five for $40. Rotary raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20 and are available at local businesses, including and .
For a complete schedule of events, visit the Dexter Daze website.
