VANDALIA — After more than 40 years, new changes are coming to the Dayton Air Show Parade.
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This year, organizers decided to change the parade to a festival.
“After this year’s show, we kind of got into talks about some possible changes,” Kevin Franklin, CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show’s executive director, said.
Franklin told News Center 7 that it took organizers “a while” to reach the decision, which he said makes “too much sense.”
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As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00, the Vandalia Flight Fest will be a free community event at the city’s recreation center that will bring together acts from the air show, like the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, with community parade staples, like the Vandalia-Butler High School marching band.
“I think when all (is) said and done, the impact and the experience, it’s gonna be well worth it,” Nick Kavalaukas, president and CEO of the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce, said.
Kavalaukas told News Center 7 that the new set-up will allow businesses and community organizations to have a more personal experience with visitors.
“We’re still doing planning for both of the days, but, you know, got a lot of things that we can really play with now and provide more opportunities for business, community, and for all the components that are involved,” Kavalaukas said.
Friday’s main act is already set. It’ll be Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band and organizers are excited to have them coming to town.
“When you look at everything that we got set up, it’s going to be a great night,” Franklin said.
The Vandalia Flight Fest will take place on Friday, June 20.
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