Brenda Bethel, who helps plan the entertainment for the Milford Lions Festival, is shown in front of the festival stage this year. Photo provided by Brenda Bethel.

Editor’s Note: This marks the ninth in a summer weekly series profiling event volunteers from around the county.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — Brenda Bethel said she keeps assisting with the Milford Lions Festival “because it’s fun.”

She added “so many people beam with thankfulness” after the event.

Bethel, who lives at Waubee Lake, has been on the festival committee for 17 years.

Those who comprised the committee for the 2025 also included: Barb Zimmerman; Steve Weisser; James Smiley; Mike Schafer; Gerv Schafer; and Bethel’s husband, Jerry Bethel.

Though Brenda Bethel, like the other committee members, helps line up food and craft vendors, her main role as a volunteer is setting up the festival’s entertainment.

One of the more recent music groups at the festival, The Spaniels Forever, has been inducted in several halls of fame.

When she’s not helping with the Milford Lions Festival, Brenda Bethel has helped her daughter, Cami Mechling, of Visit Nappanee, with events in that community.

Brenda Bethel encourages others to volunteer with events as it’s “fun to provide something that people enjoy.”

She added that “the joy that you give to others is worth it.”

Those who wish to help with the festival next year may contact Bethel at (574) 453-6559.