Dayton Mall to celebrate its reopening with drive-in concert

The Dayton Mall is set to open its doors to the public again on Tuesday, May 12, and has found a safe way to celebrate the reopening the following Saturday, May 16.

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Beginning at 4 p.m. on May 16, the Dayton Mall will host “Better Days Ahead,” an outdoor drive-in concert experience presented by Strictly Gospel Ministries. Attendees must park in the West Parking Lot along State Route 741 and tune into the music of three gospel groups on the FM radio in their car. Attendees must stay in their vehicles, mall officials said.

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The three gospel groups performing throughout the evening will be the Salem Quartet, Imagine That and Southern Aires. There will be a stage set up in the parking lot with volunteers directing traffic.

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Those listening to the gospel groups from their cars can enjoy food available through takeout from a variety of Dayton Mall restaurants. Check the Dayton Mall's website at daytonmall.com/dining for updates on mall restaurants that will be offering takeout service on the day of the concert.

Throughout the concert, the Dayton Mall Non-Profit Co-op will be accepting donations of non-perishable food, essential items, or dog food and cat food to distribute  to local non-profits.

Concert-goers should be aware there will be no bathrooms available on site, mall officials said.

Going forward from Tuesday’s 11 a.m. opening, the Dayton Mall will be open from Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Tenant stores’ reopening dates may vary.

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To keep shoppers and store employees safe, the mall is asking its visitors to maintain an appropriate distance from one another, to cover their mouth with a cloth face cover (though this is not a mandated), to not gather in large groups and to abide by all other policies handed down by federal, state and local officials in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.

WANT TO GO?

What: Better Days Ahead drive-in gospel concert

Where: The West Parking Lot along State Route 741 at the Dayton Mall

When: Saturday, May 16, beginning at 4 p.m.

Cost: Free

More info: WebsiteFacebook

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