MILFORD — Tricia Gall, Lion’s Club member and organizer of the 2017 Milford Fest was all smiles Saturday evening as another successful Milford Fest was drawing to a close. “We had a great turnout,” she commented, “I saw a lot of happy faces — that’s what we want.”

Gall emphasized the work of not only the Lions and festival workers, but the community as well. “They show up,” she said. “The community treats us very well.” In the weeks leading up to the festival, Milford residents can be seen mowing lawns and sprucing up their properties. And the numerous garage sales around town also widen the experience, as visitors wander up and down the neighborhood streets garage “sailing.”

Milford resident Emily Bischof echoed those sentiments at the Car/Tractor/Motorcycle Show, where she had entered her Harley Davidson.  Bischof said the many events around town make the entry fee to the car show more than worth it. “It’s not enough for all the fun I have,” she exclaimed. “I run all over this town.”

Laura Bushong, right, traveled from McDuffy, OH. to see her daugher Sarah Lantz, left. Becky Alles, center, helped out with the Kiwanis Club’s Milford Fest pancake breakfast. (photo by David Hazledine

Another service organization, Milford Kiwanis Club, helped kick off the event with a hearty pancake and sausage breakfast at the Milford Community Building, which, according to member Becky Alles, saw “at least 250 people.” The money raised goes to many causes, such as Riley Hospital, Boomerang Backpacks, Rock Solid, Harvest with a Heart and more, including scholarships and help for individuals in the community.

A few blocks down Main Street, the Milford Volunteer Fire Department had a line developing 30 minutes before they were scheduled to start serving their famous ribeye steak sandwiches. Brian Haines, Milford Fire Chief, figured the tradition is around 10 years old. This year they grilled 500 steaks, but at $7 per sandwich, including chips and water, they basically break even.

“It’s just our way to give back to the public, to be involved,” said Haines. This year the department also collected donations for Hadley Grainger, who is being treated for leukemia at Riley Hospital. The firefighters wore “Team Hadley” t-shirts donated by Lizard’s Bar and Grill.

Not far away, on East Fourth Street, a young family was selling baked goods in conjunction with a garage sale in the hopes of raising money for an adoption. Briana Jones and Joscelyn Hiatt worked together in the hopes of one day being legally recognized as sisters, while the hopeful future father, Breon Jones looked on.

Joscelyn Hiatt, left and Brianna Jones sold baked goods and lemonade to help pay for Joscelyn’s adoption. (photo by David Hazledine)

And speaking of “community,” the Harvest with a Heart Coffee Shop on Main Street, which will not officially open until June, decided to give the public a sneak peak. The non-profit is run by Karena Wilkinson who “saw the need for a place for the community to come together and hang out.” On a particularly muggy Milford Fest, their mint/lemonade infused ice tea hit the spot. One man returned from the festivities outside to express his appreciation for the refreshing concoction.

These events, along with Cap Beer’s pony rides, the talent show, cutie contest, senior king and queen crowning and the Friends of the Milford Public Library book sale combine with the carnival rides, games and vendors to make Milford Fest more than just a carnival.

As Gall concluded, “It’s a good time to be proud of our town.”

Teddy Pieper, left, snapped a photo of Brantley Heckamen, Syracuse, swinging a hammer at a car donated by Stuckman Towing. (Photo by David Hazledine)

Two mothers prep their cuties for the Milford Fest Cutie Contest. (Photo By Nicholette Hodgson)