Bikes, Bugs, and Spring Fun: Milford’s Bug and Bud Festival Returns April 26

Milford’s Annual Bug and Bud Festival will take place on Saturday, April 26

MILFORD, DE — Spring will be in full bloom on Saturday, April 26, as Downtown Milford comes alive for the 22nd Annual Bud and Bug Festival. Running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this year’s festival promises a day packed with entertainment, local vendors, food trucks, and the always-anticipated People and Pet Parade — with a new twist.

“This year we have changed it up just a bit,” said Neyda Albarran, Promotions Chairperson for Downtown Milford Inc., the organization behind the event. “We want to promote the fact that Milford is bicycle friendly, so we are asking children and adults to decorate their bicycles with spring-themed decorations. We also want to see some fun costumes.”

In addition to floral bike flair, festival-goers are encouraged to dress in costumes inspired by nature. Participants can compete for prizes in categories like best “bug,” best “flower,” and best “tree,” with awards given in both adult and child divisions.

Leading the whimsical parade will be Grand Marshal Charles Gray, known for his longtime leadership with the Milford Community Parade. The route begins in front of Studio You on Washington Street, loops around Penny Square, and travels down Walnut Street, ending at the Milford Public Library amphitheater, where prizes will be awarded.

Some of the activities happening behind the library

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy live entertainment at the amphitheater. The Dixieland Band kicks off the musical lineup at 10 a.m., followed by Colombian singer Rossei Trivino at 2 p.m. The Fuzaholics take the stage at 3 p.m., and DJ Dave & the Vibes Brothers will close out the day with 80s and 90s dance hits and karaoke.

Families will also find plenty to do in the Kid’s Zone, which will feature bounce houses and games — all free of charge.

“We have over 125 craft vendors as well as about 15 food trucks,” Albarran added. “We’ve set up two food courts to make it easier for people to grab something to eat, but we also encourage everyone to check out our local restaurants and stores that day.”

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To promote local shopping and dining, Downtown Milford Inc. is offering raffle entries for festival-goers who spend money downtown. For every $5 spent at participating businesses starting Friday, April 25 at 4 p.m. through Saturday, April 26 at 3 p.m., shoppers can bring their receipt to the Downtown Milford table at 15 North Walnut Street to receive a raffle ticket.

“Keep in mind that we have expanded our footprint,” Albarran noted. “Receipts from places like Not Too Shabby, Glasshowes, Big Oyster, or even Southern Delaware Golf Course count too.”

The Bud and Bug Festival is a rain-or-shine event. Volunteers are still needed to help with various activities throughout the day. Those interested in lending a hand can fill out this form here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdz1pwSsRPx7Uue1RHoMHLWREiJ_vG4Fu6RaLBKFqJ3C1IFcg/viewform. For more information you can contact Downtown Milford at 302-839-1180 or 302-393-6808.

As always, Downtown Milford Inc. invites the community to come together to celebrate spring, support local businesses, and enjoy all that Milford has to offer.

Danielle Valletti

Danielle Valletti is a Journalism student in her Senior year at Penn State University.  She is passionate about telling stories on digital platforms in a way that connects people to their communities. She is a social media expert with experience managing programs for clients in several states.