GREENVILLE – The 60th Annual Darke County Home & Sports Expo begins this Friday and runs throughout the weekend.
In the past, the Darke County Sheriff’s Office was a major part of the event, but has decided to step away this year due to staffing issues.
“Due to staffing issues and the fact that we only have one auxiliary Deputy remaining, (especially after the retirements of a few long-term auxiliary deputies last year) the Darke County Sheriff’s Patrol decided earlier this year to step away from the Darke County Home & Sports Expo,” stated Darke County Sheriff Mark Whittaker. “A not-for-profit group headed up by Joe Wintrow decided to take on the Expo so that it would continue in the future. We have worked with Joe and his partners through this transition and wish them well as they continue this Darke County tradition.”
Wintrow told My County Link that he almost pulled the plug on the show after losing several committee members in addition to the Sheriff’s Office withdrawing from the event.
“It was just going to be too much for me to try and take on myself,” Wintrow said. “Fortunately with several community members stepping up to help… the show will go on!”
According to Wintrow, there are some new and exciting events that will be at this year’s expo.
“For the first time, we are going to have an indoor car show and everyone who attends the expo will get an objective checklist which if they complete them all will have a shot at our Tiki Toss for a chance to win a $600 value package from Ace Hardware,” Wintrow added. “We are also excited to have the Performance Dogs of Ohio and the Cincinnati Reds’ mascots joining us for the show!”
The annual event will now benefit local nonprofit organizations with a focus on youth activities, groups and transportation.
The 60th Annual Darke County Home & Sports Expo is scheduled for April 12-14 at the Darke County Fairgrounds. Admission is FREE.
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