Eric Deters canceled Patriots Day Freedom Fest at his Morning View, KY, farm after only six of about 100 expected $1,000 VIP tickets sold. Deters blamed wealthy backers for the shortfall and said he will never hold the event again. Headliners had included Kid Rock and Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter," and prior editions featured Trump family members and Candace Owens. The cancelation highlights the vulnerability of privately funded political events and tensions between populist rhetoric and donor dependence.
MAGA 'Freedom Fest' Canceled After VIP Sales Collapse; Organizer Blames Wealthy Backers
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Eric Deters has abruptly canceled his Patriots Day Freedom Fest at his Morning View, Kentucky, farm after wealthy backers failed to purchase enough $1,000 VIP packages to cover the event's costs. The festival, which has drawn thousands in prior years, had been scheduled for Saturday about 25 miles south of Cincinnati.
Deters explained why he canceled this weekend's Freedom Fest:
What Happened
Deters, a former attorney and 2023 GOP gubernatorial candidate, announced the cancelation in a Facebook video on Monday. He said his financial plan depended on roughly 100 affluent supporters buying $1,000 VIP tickets so that general admission and parking could remain free — but only six VIPs were sold.
Kid Rock and James Comer were among those headlining the now-canceled event. / X/bulllaw
"Rank-and-file Americans are the backbone of this country—both political parties," Deters said. "I want to tell you something: rich people, as a whole, suck."
Deters, 63, who described himself as well-off, said the shortfall "really p---ed me off," accusing some potential donors of ignoring his requests or offering excuses such as travel. He added he will not attempt to revive the festival: "I am never ever, ever, ever, ever doing this event again. Ever."
Kid Rock visited the White House last March. / Leah Millis / REUTERS
Lineup and Background
The planned headliners included musician Kid Rock (Robert Ritchie) in a speaking role and reality star Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman. Other billed participants were Rep. James Comer, GOP congressional candidate Ed Gallrein — who defeated Thomas Massie in a primary earlier this year — and Fox News contributor Joe Concha. Past editions have featured Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Candace Owens; the inaugural Freedom Fest took place in 2022.
Broader Context
The cancelation highlights the financial fragility of privately funded political gatherings and underscores tensions within conservative organizing between populist messaging and reliance on wealthy donors. Deters pushed back on media coverage suggesting a lack of grassroots MAGA support, saying the turnout problem was strictly a funding issue.
A representative for Kid Rock did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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