Milford Community Parade celebrates movies

Movies were the theme at this year’s Milford Community Parade (Photo courtesy of Marcia Reed)

Barbie, Cinderella, characters from the Wizard of Oz and the Sound of Music joined ghosts, goblins and more in the annual Milford Community Parade on Wednesday, October 16. The parade brings thousands to downtown Milford to not only see the creative floats, but also to hear marching bands, wave at friends or family and simply enjoy the camaraderie while sitting along the road.

“This is one of the highlights of our year,” Jane Kingsley said. “We live in Dover and come down to Milford just to see the parade. It is one of the best in the state.”

The parade took place under a moonlit sky with cool, crisp temperatures requiring spectators to sip on hot cocoa or wrap in blankets. There were 120 entries and 11 bands.

This year, due to construction at the Milford Middle School, the parade lined up along Seabury Avenue and Walnut Street. Miss Delaware, Nova Gaffney, served as the Grand Marshall for the event whose theme was “Movie Magic.”

“We are star struck! Thanks for an amazing night of family fun!” the community parade website read the next day.

Winners were announced that evening with Delmarva RV placing first in the Business Float category, followed by The Restoration Group in second and Milford Senior Center in First. In the Under 18 Civic Float category, first place went to TADA Performance Company, second to Milford Pop Warner and third to Trail Life Troop DE 001. In the Over 18 Civic Float category, Milford Church of Christ took first place followed by Temple Lodge #8 with second and Milford Elks Lodge Drug Awareness Program in third.

In the Restaurant category, Surf and Turf Bar and Grill came in first with Village & Venue in second. First State BMX took first in Marching & Cycling with Milford Majorettes in second. Milford Music Center took the trophy for Antique Vehicle while Dirt Road Patriots took first in Group Decorated Vehicle followed by No Limit Bike Group in second and Lowered Habits in third.

Decorated Vehicle’s first place went to Scott Welch of Mohawk Electrical Systems followed by Paige’s Kindness Project in second and Kent County Levy Court Bob Scott in third. The top spot for Group Costume went to Heroes for Happiness with Milford Public Library in second and First State Club in third. Watkins Wonders Petting Zoo was first place in Equestrian with Delmarva Chapter of the American Mustang and Burro Association in second.

As for marching bands, Dover Middle School was first in the Junior High Division. In the Senior High Division One group, Pocomoke High School was first and Stephen Decatur in second. Senior High Division Two winner was Lake Forest High School with the Senior High Division Three winner Smyrna High School, followed by Sussex Central High School in second. Sussex Tech High School took the Senior High Division.

“Walnut Street was filled with families, lights and music,” the parade website stated. “Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers who made it another incredible night of family and memories.”

The committee is already working on next year’s parade, scheduled for October 15, 2025.