Milford’s Riverwalk Freedom Festival is set for this Saturday (Photo courtesy of CCGM)
Milford’s largest outdoor festival will return on Sept. 17 when the Riverwalk Freedom Festival kicks off at 9 a.m. downtown. This year, there will be some new attractions along with popular activities and events from previous years.
“In addition to all the great things happening at this year’s event, the Milford Senior Center will be open for the first time in several years from 9 am to 3 pm.” Jo Schmeiser, executive director of the Greater Milford Chamber of Commerce, said. “They will be offering several different events throughout the day, including sales of their very popular crab cakes. Additionally, Park Place Restaurant and Lounge will open at 9 a.m. serving breakfast and will also be offering festival specials throughout the day. This year, we also have the Delmarva Boat club joining us as a vendor with the support of the Milford Museum They will be putting on a boat show on the Mispillion River at 4:00 p.m.
During the event, there will also be live music in the Parc del Bicentenari. Lincoln City Band will play from noon to 1:45pm with Petting Hendrix following from 2:15pm to 4:00pm. Bobby Lee Jones Band will perform from 4:30-6pm with Plead the Fifth headlining from 6:30-10pm. The night ends with Milford’s only fireworks display starting at dusk. People are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets in order to find a spot in the park or at the brewery to listen to the music and watch the fireworks.
“People from Dover Federal Credit Union and Grassroots Rescue will be on hand along with vendors like Fur Baby Pet Resort and DB from Eagle 97.7 at the Pet Park,” Schmeiser said. “The Pet Park will offer dog adoptions, all kinds of pet-related services and the Pet-riotic Pet Parade at noon. We encourage people to dress their pups in their best patriotic outfits to participate in the parade and have a chance to win a prize from Concord Pets along with other supporters.”
The Artsan’s Bank Red, White and Brew Garden will also open at noon, offering those 21 and over the option to purchase adult beverages. Although the park is open to all ages, ID will be checked at the gate and those 21 and older will receive a wristband that allows them to purchase alcohol. Anyone without a wristband will be served adult beverages and all alcohol must remain inside the garden. Milford and Harrington volunteer servers NAPA Auto, County Bank, M&T Bank and more collecting tips for their favorite charities.
“Kids Corner will have lots of games, great prizes, bounce houses and slides,” Schmeiser said. “There’s a bouncy tank, face painting, fire truck rides, petting zoos and free ride-along entertainment by Juggling Hoffman’s,” Schmeiser said. “There are also 10 food vendors including River Light’s Café, Milford High School Band Boosters, Heavenly Tastes, Top 5 BBQ, Amy’s Grill, Big Al’s, Thai Master Grill, White & Associates Treats, Blue Hen Concessions and Cruising Creamery.”
Vendors, food trucks, a pet park and beer garden are just some of the highlights of the upcoming Riverwalk Freedom Festival (photo courtesy of CCGM)
Even the Milford Library Amphitheater will be busy during the festival, Schmeiser said. Events will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a Jazzercise demonstration. There will also be several live animal shows at Salisbury Zoo throughout the day. The festivities in the amphitheater end with a performance by the Tatianna Akinfieva Dance Academy and the Diamond Dance Company.
The Riverwalk Freedom Festival began more than 20 years ago to honor the sacrifices made by first responders and military members who serve their community. Originally known as the Riverwalk Festival, the name was changed to the Riverwalk Freedom Festival after the attacks of September 11, 2001. Since then, the festival has included many events celebrating first responders, the military and sacrifices these people make to support themselves. the free country
“We appreciate and appreciate our 100-plus volunteers, the support of the City of Milford and the Milford Parks and Recreation Department,” Schmeiser said. “Without them, the sponsors, supporters, local businesses and the community, we couldn’t make this event possible.”
Volunteers are still needed for the event. Anyone who wants to volunteer should visit to see opportunities and sign up. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 422-3344.
