Friday the 13th may be a bad luck day for the superstitious, but it’s an exceptionally good time to sample the many pleasures at the 17th annual Dayton Ag Expo.

At 9 a.m. today some 60 exhibitors will be ready to show off their products and services at the Dayton Community Center, 104 First St., N.W. The show runs until 2 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

The event will feature agribusiness companies, area banks, insurance companies and much more. There will be an opportunity for blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. And, of course, there will be food – including a free lunch with representatives of the Webster County Pork Producers on hand to grill pork patties. Complimentary snacks including peanuts and popcorn will be available throughout the day. Those who attend will also have a chance to take advantage of assorted giveaways.

The varied exhibits and displays will appeal to many tastes, but a highlight of the show will be the exhibit by Iowa State University Extension – always a popular source of the latest and most reliable information about the world of agriculture.

The expo is sponsored by Farmers Cooperative Co. and local seed and chemical companies. Proceeds from exhibitor fees will help support the Dayton Community Center.

Spring is still a ways off, but paying a visit to the always intriguing Ag Expo is a good way to begin preparing for the 2009 growing season. A few hours spent in Dayton today should prove to be not only educational, but great fun as well.