On Friday, July 3, the 250th Independence Day Celebration in Bicentennial Park drew a crowd of over a thousand people despite temperatures that soared into the triple digits. Visitors to the park could shop at local vendors, learn more about various non-profits and businesses while also enjoying great food from local food trucks. The evening culminated in a one-of-a-kind laser light show.
“We are so grateful for everyone who braved the heat to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States,” Sade Truiett, Executive Director of Downtown Milford Inc., who put on the celebration, said. “It was definitely a hot one, but Milford came out and showed their patriotism, danced the night away and enjoyed a fun laser light show.”
Due to the heat, the celebration was pushed back one hour so that temperatures would have time to cool slightly. The event kicked off with Pastor David Shockley and his wife, Lady Tamika Shockley, singing the National Anthem. Mike Hines and the Look played under the gazebo from 7 PM until 8:30 PM.
“As always, Mike brought the energy to the park,” Truiett said. “People were dancing, singing with him and simply enjoying the night. We cannot thank the community enough for their support.”
The laser light show, the first in southern Delaware, provided patriotic music and lasers that spread through the park. As it was the first time for the event, Truiett acknowledged a few adjustments that would be made for next year.
“We had overwhelming positive feedback from the public about how much better the light show was than fireworks,” Truiett said. “Unfortunately, because of the setup, it was harder to see from some areas of the park than others and the sound was not the quality we wanted, but we are already planning on adjusting that for next year.”
Anyone who would like to assist in the planning of next year’s July First Friday is welcome to join the committee. If interested, call 302-839-1180 or send an email to Truiett with your contact information.
The laser light show was sponsored by Sussex County Council, the City of Milford, Wilmington University, the Milford Public Library, PAM Rehabilitation and Tax Chicks.
