Downtown Milford was packed with over 5,000 people Saturday despite wind, rain and cold tempertures at the Bug and Bud Festival, organized by Downtown Milford, Inc. The event included vendors, food trucks, entertainment and a free Kid’s Corner.
“I have to give thanks to Downtown Milford Inc. for putting on a very successful festival on Saturday,” Councilman Jason James said at Monday’s meeting. “The weather was not great but you would not have known based on the number of people that were there. We all know how much work goes into these festivals, so a huge thank you to them for pulling off a great one this weekend.”
Todd Culotta agreed with James’ assessment.
“I want to add to that, the job they did, considering the weather, which is always a crapshoot,” Culotta said. “A lot of folks attended and it was a really good time.”
The event began in 2004 as a way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the designation of the ladybug as the Delaware state bug due to the perserverance of second grade class at Lulu Ross Elementary School. In 2024, Downtown Milford, Inc. celebrated the 60th year of the designation. It is also a way to celebrate Arbor Day as the festival is held the last weekend of April each year.
“We could not possibly do this without a team of dedicated volunteers, some of which were here with me at 5 AM,” Sade Truiett, Downtown Milford Cooridinator said. “It’s honestly hard to put into words what this day meant—but we finally took a moment to pause and soak it all in. I am so grateful for the community who came out today despite the weather and for the volunteers who make this all happen!”
Downtown Milford Inc. has a feedback form available online for anyone who attended on Saturday as they are already planning for next year. There is also a specific form vendors.
