Thousands lined the streets to watch the Milford Community Parade Wednesday night (Photo courtesy of Sheri Messick)
One of the most anticipated events in Milford, the Milford Community Parade kicked off from Milford Middle School and made its way through downtown, ending at Milford High School on Wednesday, October 18. Thousands lined the streets of the city, many marking their territories with chairs as early as 7 AM that day.
“We live in Felton and come to watch the parade with friends every year,” Leigh Ann Embleton, who watched the parade from North Walnut Street, said. “We fix crockpot dinners and just enjoy each other’s company before the parade. We love to see the bands and the really cute floats people put together. We look forward to it every year.”
This year’s parade theme was “The Great Outdoors” with Senator Dave Wilson serving as Grand Marshall. Senator Wilson was chosen as he embodies the true statesman and community leader. Parade organizers said that Senator Wilson serves his community with a smile and offers events geared toward first responders.
“You can still find him on the weekend calling the auction at the business he has owned for 35 years,” Charles Gray, Parade Chairperson, said. “He also calls auctions for non-profit organizations he supports. He has supported the parade for many years, and we are honored to have him join us as our Grand Marshall. He represents a true leader, servant to the community and friend. There is only one Dave Wilson, and we are lucky to have him in our community.”
Marching bands from as far away as North Caroline and Stephen Decatur entertained the crowd with both schools winning Best Appearing in their division. Sussex Tech won Best Appearing in their division for bands with Smyrna High School placing second. The Greater Milford Boys and Girls Club won the Best Appearing Vehicle with Kona Ice and First State Party Bus taking second and third.
Delmarva Chapter of American Mustang and Burro Association won Best Appearing Equestrian Group with Delaware State Police Mounted Patrol and Watkins Wonders Petting Zoo earning second and third place. Milford Central Academy’s Student Council won Best Appearing Concert Group and Milford Parks and Recreation won Best Appearing Costume Single.
In the Under 18 Civic Float category, Trail Life USA received first place, TADA Performance second place and Milford High School International Club third place. In the Over 18 category, Elks Lodge #2401 won first place, Rising Dawn Redner’s received second while Carlisle Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary won third. In the Business Floats category, Southern States of Milford won first place, The Lab@Seascape took second while Dirt Road Patriots took third.
Lowered Habits Cars took first in the Group Decorated Vehicle category with Lowered Habits Trucks taking second and Dirt Road Patriots taking third. Yianna Wilson took first place in the Antique Car category with Milford Music Center taking second. Milford Central Academy’s Dancing Bucs took first in the Performance/Cycle Group category with Tripple D’s Dance Team taking second.
“I just love the parade,” Linda Green said. “Living on Walnut Street all these years, I think I have watched all of them and it is so nice to have friends and family here to enjoy the festivities with me. It is always such a fun night and I look forward to it every year.”
The Milford Community Parade is already hard at work planning next year’s event. Volunteers are always needed to bring the parade to Milford. Anyone interested can visit the parade website at www.milfordparade.com.
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