Milford’s annual community parade is scheduled for Wednesday evening, October 17, 2018 along Walnut Street. The Milford Parade committee is seeking sponsors and entries for the annual event started in 1938.

“We have always accepted any size contribution. Over the years, we have added different types of sponsor levels for businesses and families to consider to support the annual event,” stated Charles Gray, parade chairperson. Individuals, costumed families, marching units, civic floats, business floats, political candidates, marching bands, and fire companies are featured annually. “We do not charge a fee for entry into the parade. Although, as with any event there are costs. We do ask participants to consider a contribution,” Mr. Gray said.

Upcoming fundraisers for the parade include a quarter auction at the Moose Lodge on September 7 and Paint Nite October 6. The quarter auction has many items available with participants bidding 25, 50, 75 cents or one dollar and if their number is drawn they win the item. This auction also includes special raffles as well. The tix are $10 admission for first paddle and $1 per each additional paddle to bid with. You can purchase the “all in“ paddle which means you are eligible for all auction items at no additional bids for just $25. The doors open at 5:00pm and refreshments by the moose will be available along with adult beverages. The auction begins promptly at 6:30pm.

“A parade is a microcosm of the community,”Jim Gray explained” Go to a parade and you can see the Mayor, the policeman of the year, the Elk member of the year, the girl scouts and boy scouts, cheer leaders, hometown heroes like first responders, candidates running for office, scholarship winners, the Clendaniels’ float, local FFA chapters and more. Families and clubs that build floats bond over a common theme, have fun making their ideas come to life and to share their message.”

The annual parade invites several marching bands from Maryland and Delaware that have become crowd favorites throughout the years. Annually, the parade has more than 10 marching bands. Along with the bands, featured entries have included an average of 10 fire companies represented.

“Think back when you were under the age of ten, to see the floats, hear the music, watch the moving parts and lights, it is a very positive memory for most,” said Grey.

Entries can register until October 8, 2018, at www.milfordparade.com without a fee. Sponsors can find out more information at the same site. The site also has the parade route map, traffic detour map and sponsor list. Sponsors that contribute $100 receive a sign to place in their window or within their entrance landscaping displaying their support of the parade. Entries are judged according to the theme, “Autumn Spooktacular”, and may receive an award if placed among the top three entries in their division. Burris Logistics is powering this year’s awards.

“Through our partnership with the City of Milford, the annual event attracts 5,000 spectators annually along the 1.7 mile route all along Walnut Street. Come to town early and enjoy food vendors and the shops downtown,” said Gray.

The parade begins at 6:30pm at Seabury Avenue and Walnut and finds itself downtown at approximately 6:45pm. The Milford Church of God has the second reviewing stand and food for purchase along N. Walnut Street. The third reviewing stand is at the Milford Plant and Garden Florist at North Walnut Street near Tenth Street.

“We are very grateful for the pre and post work of the city departments – public works, parks and recreation, electric, police, finance, and the city manager’s office,” said Gray. “The parade has become a Milford/Delmarva tradition because of the teamwork, sponsors and efforts of the Milford Community and the Parade Committee.”

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