MILFORD — All of the hard work and preparation for the 2016 Milford Fest finally came to fruition for Tricia Gall and the Milford Lions Club, Saturday, May, 28, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“It’s been a beautiful, busy day,” she enthused beside the merry-go-round, ferris wheel and other free carnival rides provided by Beer’s and Jessop’s Amusements. “It’s an incredible turnout, and everybody’s having a great time.”

Steve Weisser, a Lions Club member at the information booth, said, “We had at least eight groups ask how much it cost to get in,” attesting to the numbers of people from outside the area had turned up for the free event, including car loads of folks who stopped in simply because they happened to see the banner on SR 15.

Just as in years past, the day began with a Kiwanis pancake breakfast, and by 8 a.m. most of the communitywide garage sales were in full swing, as Milford residents presented their wares along with the numerous food and arts and crafts vendors that lined Main and Emeline streets in downtown Milford.

The main stage events kicked off with the Cutie Contest to decide the King/Queen and Prince/Princess, and continued with Living Word, a gospel singing group, Blue Moon, the Senior King/Queen contest, DJ Greenhoovs and the Milford talent showcase.

For many, a Milford Fest highlight is the Milford Volunteer Fire Department’s rib-eye sandwich lunch at the fire house. This year they added a grill and served 500 rib-eyes. “It’s a thank you to the community for its generosity,” commented volunteer firefighter and town councilman Doug Ruch, who manned one of the grills.

In line was Renee Long, who grew up in Milford and now lives in Etna Green. “I have a lot of fond memories of Milford,” she said, including doing yard work at the fire station with the United Methodist church and playing with her best friend who lived nearby.

Next door to the fire station, children and their parents lined up for Cap Beer’s Pony Rides, another favorite event and photo opportunity. Beer is 93 years old and walks his ponies everyday. This year the cutie queen, Alyvia Chupp wore her crown and sash as she rode around the ring with mother Andrea Chupp taking pictures.

Meanwhile, the Milford Fest Car/Tractor/Motorcycle show had its biggest year ever, according to Lions Club member Ron Marquart, with 76 entries. Not only did Marquart organize the event, but he also took home the People’s Choice award for his 1948 Allis Chalmers Model B tractor.

The Friends of the Library Book Sale also enjoyed a busy day, selling books, magazines, CDs, DVDs in a shady spot beneath the trees in front of the Milford Public Library.

The day wrapped up with street dance, featuring Ripchord, from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Main Street stage.

Milford Fest is a free, one-day event organized by the Milford Lions Club and sponsored by area businesses.