The 25th annual Riverwalk Freedom Festival will kick off on Saturday, September 20 starting at 9 AM in downtown Milford. The largest outdoor festival in town, the event includes live music, a brew garden, food court, pet park and much more.
“This year we will have even more ducks thrown in the river for our Duck Dash,” Angela Dorey, Chairperson of the event, said. “We are ready to dump up to 1400 ducks over the side of the boat, almost double what we launched in previous years. Why you ask? Because this year you can buy your ducks online!”
Ducks are $5 each and can be purchased by visiting the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford website. They will be launched at 3:30 PM. If the duck with your number crosses the finish line first, you win $500 while the second-place duck holder wins $250. Third place is $100, and you don’t have to be present to win. Ducks can also be purchased in person at the Chamber of Commerce office, located at 24 Northwest Front Street, or Park Place.
Registration for the Petriotic Parade will run from 9 AM to 11:45 AM. Awards are given for the best costume after the parade which begins at noon. There is also a Petriotic Park with water bowls and pet related vendors. Throughout the day, there will be free demos and speakers related to pet care. The Petriotic Park is located on Washington Street by the library.
“The Red, White & Brew Garden opens in Bicentennial Park at noon,” Dorey said. “The Beer Garden is family-friendly, but you must be 21 or over to purchase alcohol. Be prepared to show a photo ID when you enter the garden, and all alcohol must remain inside the garden fence.”
Bands will begin playing at noon with Fuzzbox Piranha kicking off with their classic rock sounds. At 2:15 PM, Bobby Lee Jones will get the crowd dancing with his country songs, followed by Girls Room at 4:15 PM playing a variety of music. The Milford High School Chamber Choir will perform the Star-Spangled Banner at 6 PM with Plead the Fifth performing top hits from 6:20 PM until the fireworks around 8:30 PM. All bands play on the Bicentennial Park stage.
“We need almost 120 volunteers that day and we currently only have 40 signed up,” Dorey said. “Anyone interested in volunteering can do sign up online. Even if you can only give an hour or two, every little bit helps us bring this festival to life. Volunteers are needed for Kids Corner, helping with vendor setup, in the Petriotic Park, at the paddle boat rental and cleanup.”
Dorey pointed out that they are also looking for volunteers for the committee to help plan next year’s event.
“We literally start looking at next year within a week or two of this year’s festival,” Dorey said. “Committee volunteers assist with fundraising for the fireworks, getting sponsorships, advertising, social media promotion and more. We welcome anyone to help us continue bringing Milford the largest outdoor festival every year.
To volunteer for the festival or for next year’s committee, visit the signup link online
