2019 Milford Fest featured free rides from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. sponsored by local businesses. (Photo by David Hazledine)

MILFORD — The town of Milford was once again filled with visitors from all over Northern Indiana and surrounding states Saturday, May 25, for the 2019 Milford Fest. And, in spite of a brief, afternoon rain shower, attendees had fair weather for much of the day to enjoy the rides, music, vending, arts and crafts, car/tractor/motorcycle cruise-in and community wide garage sales, which ran until 9 p.m.

“It’s always great to see members of the community out and about at Milford Fest after being cooped up inside for most of the winter,” said Tricia Gall, Milford clerk/treasurer and member of Milford Lions Club who is largely responsible for resurrecting Milford Fest in 2012. Since then Milford Fest has also enjoyed continuity. “We have some loyal vendors which have been with us the entire time,” added Gall.

Milford Fest played host to professional wrestling for the first time in 2019, provided by United Wrestling Front. (Photo by David Hazledine)

This year’s Milford Fest also featured a new event, professional wrestling, staged by United Wrestling Front of South Bend. Spectators were treated to two, two-hour shows featuring a wide range of characters such as “The Man Beast,” weighing in at 425 lbs., “Devil Lock” and many more, including tag teams.

The rain did deter some car owners from attending the cruise-in, which was smaller than in recent years; however, Rita and Kenny Elder stuck around long enough to receive the people’s choice award for their 1969 Chevy Camaro convertible.

Kenny Elder, right, accepted the People’s Choice award at the Milford Fest Cruise In for his 1969 Chevy Camaro Convertible. Ron Marquart, Milford Lions Club, presented the trophy.

The Cutie Contest winners were also crowned just before the free carnival rides, which were provided by Beer and Jessop Amusements and sponsored by local businesses, commenced at 11 a.m.

This year’s prince and princess of the 2-3 year olds were Ayden Warren and Destiny Lanning. The king and queen of the 4-5 year-olds were Henry Linville and Payton Scheeren.

Also crowned were the Senior King and Queen, a couple recognized for their contributions to the community. The 2019 winners were Bob and Sue Cockburn. Bob also serves on the Milford Town Council.

The Main Street Stage was also home to numerous musical acts, including Living Word, a gospel group; Spaniels Forever, whose lineage stems from the classic “Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight”; Steve Bobbit, classic rock; Quentin Flagg, 50s and 60s pop; Ripchord, who headlined the street dance from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Milford Fest is largely organized by Milford Lions and the Town of Milford. Platinum sponsors also include Beer and Jessop Amusements, Chore Time Brock, Lake City Bank, Phend and Brown and The Papers Inc.

“We receive excellent support from the businesses and residents of Milford,” Gall commented.