Ruth Abbate and Michael Moyer relax as they volunteer for the Riverwalk Freedom Festival in 2023.
Milford’s Riverwalk Freedom Festival will return for the 23rd year on Saturday, Sept. 21 with live bands, specials throughout downtown businesses, vendors — and hundreds of yellow rubber ducks floating down the river.
Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford, the festival will close downtown streets to accommodate over 100 crafters, businesses and organizations.
“This is always a popular event,” Jo Schmeiser, the chamber’s executive director, 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 p.m. on the Main Stage in Bicenntenial Park and an all-female band, Girls Room, will make their festival debut at 4 p.m. 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 5th.
“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.
Spectators enjoy the sight of hundreds of rubber duckies racing down the Mispillion River in the annual Duck Dash. Photo by Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford.
Festival duck flotilla
The Duck Dash is 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 chamber 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.”
“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.”
Chamber member and non-member service and political related vendors also will be in attendance.
The event is seeking sponsorships and volunteers, with hours available from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Those interested can find a link on the chamber’s Facebook page.
“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 Sept. 20,” Schmeiser explained.
For more information, contact the chamber office at 302-422-3344.
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