The late Dillon Prater of rural Akron is shown with his dog Benny Jo. A ride in memory of Prater, who enjoyed traveling in utility terrain vehicles, will be during the Akron Fourth of July parade on Tuesday, July 4. Benny Jo will be part of it. Photo provided.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

AKRON — Dillon Prater of rural Akron loved riding in utility terrain vehicles, kids and the Fourth of July in Akron.

All three of his passions will come together in a memorial ride for him during the Akron Fourth of July parade.

Anyone from the public is welcome to ride in a UTV, golf cart, motorcycle, Jeep or any other vehicle in the event, which begins at 11 a.m. July 4 and goes down Rochester and Mishawaka Streets.

Prater, who had spina bifida, passed away at age 29 on Oct. 8, 2022.

His parents, Anthony and Jennifer Prater, organized the ride and ask people pay $25 to participate. Monies will go to the Dillon Prater Memorial Fund being created through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation to benefit kids in the Akron area.

Jennifer said she wants the memorial fund to cover medical expenses for area kids as well as needs like coats and boots.

People may sign up for the ride by messaging the Praters at Anthony Jennifer Prater on Facebook or calling them at (574) 505-1058.

Jennifer said people may even show up the day of to enter. Lineup for the parade starts at 9 a.m. July 4 at Sonoco off SR 19.

She said the family was “hoping for a good turnout.” As of Tuesday afternoon, June 20, there were 28 individuals signed up.

People may also order vehicle decals, which will also benefit the fund. They are $10 and may be purchased by contacting the Praters using the above information.

All participants in the ride are encouraged to decorate their vehicles with their favorite sports teams as Dillon was passionate about sports, said Jennifer.

The family’s entry will be decked out for the Chicago Bears, Dillon’s favorite NFL team. Another of Dillon’s favorites, his dog Benny Jo, will be riding along in the parade.

Jennifer said people are welcome to park their trucks and trailers while they participate in the parade at the family’s home at 1091 S. 1325E, Akron, and other vehicles at the Praters’ business at 319 S. Mishawaka St., Akron.

She said Dillon enjoyed the Fourth parade. He had trouble being in the heat, so there were times when he watched from a vehicle, with Akron Town Marshal Jake Gearhart barricading a special spot along the route just for him.

“(Dillon) would love the ride,” Jennifer said.

Dillon Prater, left, enjoys his last ride in a UTV in April 2022 in Kentucky. With him is his nurse Katie Prater. Photo provided.