Festival celebrates 23 years

Ruth Abbate and Michael Moyer relaxing as they volunteer for the Riverwalk Freedom Festival in 2023

Milford’s Riverwalk Freedom Festival, organized by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford (CCGM) will return for the 23^rd year on Saturday, September 21 with live bands, specials throughout downtown businesses, vendors and more. Downtown streets will be closed to accommodate over 100 crafters, businesses and organizations.

“This is always a popular event,” Jo Schmeiser, Executive Director of CCGM, said. “This year’s Chamber Honorary Mayor Candidates, Mark Dissinger owner of Dolce Coffee Shop, and Yanelle Powell, Secretary of the Milford Museum, will compete for the title during the festival with campaign contest details to come soon.”

The Milford High School Chamber Choir will perform the Star Spangled Banner at 6 PM on the Main Stage in Bicenntenial Park and an all-female band, Girls Room, will make their RWFF debut at 4 PM on the Main Stage. Other bands include soulful country singer Bobby Lee Jones, Sweetwater Rock Band, making their second appearance at the festival, and the evening will top off with Plead the 5^th.

“The popular Red White and Brew Garden will also return with guest bartenders serving drinks,” Schmeiser said. “All the tips raised by the bartenders are donated to a worthy cause.” In addition to the guest bartenders, the Alcohauler, powered by EasySpeak, will also be on site.

The Duck Dash is also planned for the afternoon. Hundreds of numbered rubber ducks will be launched into the Mispillion River. The first three ducks to cross the finish line win prizes for those who hold the lucky numbers. Ducks are available for sale and are $5 each. They can be purchased at the CCGM office or at local businesses around town.

“We have added a new drop and paddle system to make the Duck Dash even more entertaining and exciting this year,” Schmeiser added. “This year, Katie Barczewski with Milford School District will coordinate our Kids Corner.”

Some of the food trucks who will be offering a wide variety of dining options include Byler’s Donuts, the Philly Pretzel Factory, the Frozen Farmer, Zach’s Street Grill and River Lights Café, who is also a sponsor of the event.

“There are over 100 vendors registered with items that range from jewelry and jerseys to home décor and craft items, “Schmeiser said. “Most downtown merchants will also be participating as vendors again this year as they say it is one of their busiest days of the year. There will also be many chamber member and non-member service and political related vendors in attendance along with folks from both Kent County Tourism and Southern Delaware Tourism.”

According to Schmeiser, volunteers are always needed. CCGM has volunteer hours available from 6 AM to 9 PM. Those interested can find a link on the CCGM Facebook page. Sponsorships are available as well.

“We will take sponsorships right up until the day of the event, but if a sponsor wants to receive the most marketing and exposure benefits, we need to have them registered as a sponsor no later than September 20,” Schmeiser explained.

For more information, contact the Chamber office at 302-422-3344.