The day has almost arrived. KKDM will soon present its third installment in what has become a Dotfest trilogy this Saturday at the Ankeny Air Expo.

Last year thousands of fans braved the mud in what was decidedly the best festival to date.

This year’s lineup of nearly 20 bands pales in comparison to last year’s knockouts. The ’98 effort, which featured hard-hitting national acts Everclear and the Urge, means Dotfest 3 has a lot to live up to.

Headlining this year’s festival is Smash Mouth, a band that evolved in Orange County to produce the popular “Walking On the Sun” before releasing the follow up “Astro Lounge,” which features the first single “All Star.”

Also gracing the main stage, and the only band to make a repeat from last year, is the rockin’ swing band Atomic Fireballs.

Swing molds to rap as this year’s festival will also showcase the old-school rap stylings of Run DMC, a group in support of its seventh album “Down With The King.” The guys have also been featured on a number of other albums including “The Beavis and Butthead Experience.”

Following in the hip-hop genre comes 2 Skinnee J’s, along with Citizen King, the band to definitely catch at Dotfest. This five-man band from Wisconsin carries a style similar to Beck, and has been riding the wave of fame drawn from it’s first single, “Better Days.”

If Rock N’ Roll is more your thing, then be sure to catch other main stage acts Dovetail Joint and Imperial Teen.

Dovetail Joint has recently finished a tour with the Goo Goo Dolls in support of the album “001” featuring the single “Level On the Inside.”

The second stage at Dotfest is jam-packed with great bands as well. From the Dick Prall Band to the Del-Stars and Iowa veteran rockers House of Large Sizes to the Ames band Mr. Plow, there is a wide mix of talent.

Headlining the second stage is Splendid Roadfish, a band that also returns from last year’s show. Under the direction of the album “When Mary Came Down,” the band sings about problems dealing with anything from drug and alcohol abuse to domestic abuse. This is definitely the band to watch for, as they recently were quoted saying they would be national by the end of the year.

Dotfest 3 will have more than just good music, though. A “hardbody” contest will showcase muscled men and women competing for the best body.

Other activities include the Psycho Swing and inflatable rides. As with any outdoor festival, there promises to be a few tattoo and body-piercing stands as well.

Dotfest 3 kicks off Saturday, June 12 at the Ankeny Air Expo. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet.