Dayton Freedom Tour 2020 canceled amid growing COVID-19 safety concerns

Plans for a series of new events this summer designed for fun, charity and social distancing have been canceled, organizers of the Freedom Tour 2020 events announced today.

The Freedom Tour plans included drive-in, tailgate-style events that would provide a socially distanced layout at seven locations, with each location having a featured charity. Entertainment included a special effects show, skydiving, food trucks and live music.

After several postponements, plans have been canceled due to ongoing COVID-19 safety concerns.

“With heavy hearts, due to the COVID crisis, Dillin Events was forced to make a difficult decision that significantly impacts the charities. We are incredibly disappointed to make this announcement, and frustrated for our communities and especially for our charities, that our previously approved events are now unable to proceed,” said Cheryl Dillin with Dillin Events in a news release. Dillin Events is the company that has brought special events to Austin Landing including a tree lighting at Austin Landing with Santa arriving by skydiving.

Organizers say the events would have infused up to a projected $1 million into the regional economy from entertainment to food sales, with more than 70 percent of the revenue going to charities.

Proceeds would have gone to a list of charities including Project Rise Above, Pink Ribbon Girls, One Family Foundation, Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio, Fallen Officer Dia’s Family (Project iAm), Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals and Ag Endowment & Four Corners.

Ticket-holders have the option to request a full refund or donate 100 percent of their ticket sale or sponsorship to the charity associated with that particular event. Event sponsors included iHeart Radio and the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and JournalNews.

“Our event team worked tirelessly to create a COVID friendly event that could raise significant funds for charities,” said Larry Dillin, President of Dillin LLC, in the news release. “I am very disappointed in our inability to have events due to COVID regulations despite the innovative safety precautions they were implementing.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE (July 7, 2020)

The Dillin Events team has designed a new event for this summer that combines fast-paced visual air artistry along with music and food all while recommending that COVID-19 requirements are being met for the safety of everyone participating. The Freedom Tour 2020 will be held at several locations in the Dayton region beginning on Aug. 7.

The tour is a drive-in, tailgate-style event that provides a socially distanced layout with a uniquely designed atmosphere and thrilling skydiving performance. Proceeds from all locations on the tour will benefit local charities. Tickets and details are available at: www.TheFreedomTour2020.com

“The Freedom Tour is a skydiving and pyrotechnics show all in one that will make you believe you’ve got a VIP seat on the 4th of July! There will be live music and food trucks, so all you have to do is add your group of friends or family — not to exceed 10 people, of course — to create a lasting memory that reminds us all that celebrating our freedom is one aspect of our community that we can all share and embrace right now,” said Cheryl Dillin, president the Dillin Events Team.

“With our angled parking plan, we created a more individualized ‘tailgate’ space for each vehicle that allows the spectators to be able to maintain social distancing practices. We think this new way of doing things still provides a fun event and as a bonus, also benefits charities when they need it most.”

ExploreWORTH THE DRIVE: Watch a movie from a floating cinema in Cincinnati

Drive-in, tailgate style events are an exciting concept and COVID-conscious. With communities donating large fields or parking areas, this tour is able to safely provide visual and audio entertainment for all participants and attendees.

There are several events planned for the Miami Valley region (listed below). Tickets will be available on a pre-sale only basis. No tickets will be sold at the entrance and all ticketing is touch-free.

EVENT DATES & DETAILS

Friday, Aug. 7 – Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, OH - Benefitting: Pink Ribbon Girls | Buy Tickets

Saturday, Aug. 22, West Carrollton, OH (100 E. Dixie Drive) - Benefitting: The One Family Fund | Buy Tickets

Friday, Sept. 4th – North Pointe, West Chester, OH | Benefitting: The Blue Skies for Good Guys and Gals | Buy Tickets

Monday, Sept. 7th (Labor Day) – Clark Co. Fairgrounds, Springfield OH | Benefitting: Ag Endowment Fund & Springfield 4 Corners Project | Buy Tickets