MILFORD – One of Delaware’s most popular festivals is just around the corner, according to Downtown Milford, Inc. volunteers. The 15th Annual Bug & Bud Festival is set for Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Hosted by Downtown Milford, Inc. and the City of Milford Parks and Recreation Department, the event takes place along Walnut Street and the Mispillion Riverwalk in historic downtown Milford.
This year’s festival will not disappoint. The festival will include the always popular Ladybug and Tree costumed parade featuring adults, children and pets; 100+ arts and crafts vendors; diverse local entertainment all day; food vendors; “Get in the Zone” games and activities for the young at heart; a children’s art show and “green-themed” nature related hands-on activities including seedling tree giveaways; a Chalk art contest; paddle boat rides and a pizza eating contest.
The parade of little trees and ladybugs, closely followed by costumed pets, starts approximately at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 S.E. Front Street. The parade winds through town and the prize-winners will be announced at the library amphitheater after the parade. The Grand Marshalls of the parade are Marilyn Ambrose and Dan and Rhonda Bond.
Downtown Milford’s Bug and Bud Festival started in 2004 to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the ladybug being named Delaware’s state bug. After reading an article about state trees, flowers and bugs, the children of the second-grade class from Milford’s LuLu Ross Elementary School asked their teacher, Mrs. Molly Brown Rust, if Delaware had a state bug. The answer was no. Thus began a year-long effort by the class, culminating on April 25, 1974 with the state legislature voting to designate it as the state bug by virtue of its agricultural usefulness and the outstanding class presentations to the legislature. Spread the word: members of Mrs Mollie Brown-Rust’s second grade class from 1974 are invited to participate in the parade.
Come and spend the day in Milford – enjoy this FREE rain or shine event of great music, great food, rides on paddleboats and an all-around fun day. Shop local. Think Bug and Bud. Mark your calendars for a family day of fun in Milford.
For more info, contact Pat Sparks, 302-373-0325, e-mail patsparks@comcast.net or visit http://downtownmilford.org or the Bug and Bud Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bugandbudmilford
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