The Madison Chamber of Commerce will host its 18th-annual Business Expo and Kids Day Saturday, July 31 at Dublin Park.

More than 40 local vendors, including local restaurants, realty companies, home repair/remodeling companies, mortgage companies, dance instruction and babysitting services will be on hand for the event at the Dublin Park gymnasium from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

“This event brings residents and families of the Madison community together with businesses that offer services in our area,” said Felecia McInnish, Madison Chamber of Commerce benefits coordinator. “The Chamber hosts this event in an effort to support the business community ‑ bringing together residents and the businesses community. The way people do business today is changing. The business owners/managers of today want to meet prospective customers face-to-face to build relationships, and people who purchase products/services want personal service. This event allows that process to begin.”

Visitors will have a chance to enter to win a pair of round-trip air tickets to Orlando, compliments of Huntsville’s newest carrier, AirTran.

Sci-Quest will be on hand to provide educational games and activities for the kids, including making stomp rockets and slime, while Madison’s SWAT team and the Madison Fire and Rescue will be giving demonstrations.

Members of the Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc. will also be on hand to show the kids what emergency preparedness really means.

Members of the Rocket City United soccer team will also take a break from the National Premier Soccer League Final Four July 29-31 at Madison City Schools Stadium to conduct soccer contests at Dublin Park.

Admission to the Business Expo and Kids Day is free, and hot dogs will be provided to visitors.

“This is an opportunity for residents and families to spend a fun day together at no cost. While they’re having a good time, they will get to know over 40 businesses in our community in one afternoon and plenty of teachable moments for the kids,” said McInnish. “It will be a fun day, a free day.”

This year’s expo is being sponsored by Mortgage America, Madison Hospital, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Halsey Foodservice, Jump To It and Elite Creations.