Milford Volunteer Fireman Corey Veach was busy grilling ribeyes for the fire department’s annual steak sandwich fundraiser. Behind him, Adam Melton waits for the meat to take to the hungry crowd. InkFreeNews photos by Keith Knepp.

By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — The summer festival season kicked off in 2024 with the annual Memorial Day weekend gathering in Milford, this one taking place on Saturday, May 25. Renamed the Milford Lions Festival, this year’s event had something for everyone.

The day began with an all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage breakfast, sponsored by the town’s other service club, Milford Kiwanis. Despite the big crowd that came to get their morning meal, the Kiwanians had plenty of food to go around.

Shortly after one meal ended, another began, this time at the Milford Fire Station, where the town’s volunteer firefighters were busy grilling their always-popular ribeye steak sandwiches. The line was down the block when they started serving at 11 a.m. Those who came late might have walked away disappointed, as the fundraiser sold out, as usual.

The annual crowning of the senior queen and king started a full day of activities on the Lions Club stage, which this year was set up on Main Street south of Emeline Street. Margaret and Dean Cousins were this year’s royal couple, receiving their crowns from Lion Brenda Bethel. Both of the Cousinses grew up in Niles, Mich., but moved to Milford in 1971, where Dean was a farmer and Margaret taught in Wawasee schools for many years.

Some interesting facts were shared about the royal couple. Dean’s big hobby was model trains. He eventually built a 16×32 foot building just for his collection and display. He also does woodworking, making cabinets, shelves and other things for places including the Milford library and school.

Margaret loves sewing and gardening, having made 250 wedding dresses in her sewing resume. She also served on the library board for 20 years.

Both Dean and Margaret served as 4-H leaders for many years. A shared hobby was scuba diving. They made almost 300 dives together, including in their favorite location, Cayman Brac.

Following the coronation of Dean and Margaret, a variety of live entertainers took to the stage, starting with local resident Adrienne Frailey. Those who followed throughout the day included John Gaut, Country with Q, The Spaniels Forever, Quentin Flagg and Big Daddy Dupree, who will perform until 8:30 p.m.

During this year’s Milford Lions Festival, members of the Friends of the Milford Library held their annual sale on the library lawn, offering books, music, movies and other materials. The proceeds benefitted the Friends, which in turn spends the money to support library projects.

The east side of Main Street from Catherine Street to Fourth Street was lined with a variety of shiny automobiles. They were there for the cruise-in, sponsored by Kosciusko Masonic Lodge No. 418.

Throughout the afternoon, B.A.J.A. offered free carnival rides for the kids. The rides were sponsored by local businesses. Also set up along the downtown streets were a variety of food and craft vendors.