On Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12, 2015, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford will sponsor the 15^th Annual Riverwalk Freedom Festival in Bicentennial Park and downtown Milford. The event kicks off on Friday night with “Operation Giveback,” where veterans and active duty military members can get a free meal provided by Burgers-N-Beans in Milford. Opening ceremonies begin at 6 PM, followed by the Patriotic Boat Parade at 6:30 PM. Military members and their families are also offered a 10 percent discount from all food vendors on Friday evening. In order to get the free meal or the discount, veterans and active duty military must obtain a wristband from the Chamber booth by showing proof of military service. Awards will be given for the most patriotic boat and the most patriotic booth on Friday evening.

A new event scheduled for Friday evening is the Hometown Heroes Celebration. Residents are asked to submit names and photos of individuals who they believe represent the heroes of Milford. They can be first responders, police, military members or citizens who have gone out of their way to do heroic things. Music on Friday night will be presented by “Down Tyme” and a patriotic fireworks display will be presented at dusk, between 9 and 9:30 PM.

On Saturday, the event kicks off at 9 AM with over 100 vendors, the Inflatable Kids Zone, Petriotic Park, pony rides and other events throughout the day. Another new event, the Petriotic Parade, will begin at noon. Registration for the parade runs from 9 AM until 11:30. Anyone can register their dressed-up pooch to march in the parade. The First Responders Tug-of-War will be at 11 AM on the Washington Street bridge and the 3^rd Annual Burgers-N-Beans Burger Eating Contest will be a noon on the Bicentennial Park stage. The Duck Dash, where prizes will be awarded ranging from $250 to $50, will be at 12:30 PM. There are also free paddleboat rides and the Southern Delaware Street Rods Car Show will return.

Another new activity is the Artsy Fartsy “Crafty Kids Corner Art Show” where adults and children can enjoy a painting activity. In addition, art created by the youth of Milford will be available for sale. There is also a dunk tank where Milford dignitaries take their turn getting “dunked” in the cool water.

The festival highlights Milford’s greatest asset, the Mispillion River, as well as placing a spotlight on the many culinary, visual and recreational opportunities there are in downtown Milford. Many businesses offer discounts during the festival, further encouraging visitors to learn more about beautiful downtown Milford.

For more information about any of the events at this year’s Riverwalk Freedom Festival, contact CCGM at 302-422-3344 or the Chairperson, Angela Dorey, at 302-424-8459.