It’s just a month until Downtown Milford Inc.’s Bug & Bud Festival.
On Saturday, April 28, rain or shine, folks will celebrate Milford’s connection to Delaware’s state bug, the ladybug.
In the 1970s, a second-grade teacher named Molly Brown and her students petitioned the state legislature to have the spotted ladybug designated as our state bug.
But it was not until 30 years later that Dan Bond, a new resident at the time, conceived the idea of a parade, festival and celebration.
Mr. Bond and his wife, who own The Towers Bed & Breakfast, also opened the LadyBug Shop on North West Front Street.
Some of those second graders as well as their teacher, now Molly Brown Rust, were on hand for the inaugural festival.
After the first festival the costumed parade grew, and ladybug paddleboats are available for free rides on the Mispillion River.
The festival is also a commemoration of Arbor Day and Earth Day.
Yes, the festival is bigger, but the charm remains with plenty of festival-goers goers enjoying the day in ladybug costumes or accessories.
Don’t miss the fun! Mark your calendars now, and stay tuned for updates in the Milford Chronicle and on the Milford Chronicle’s Facebook page.
The festival starts around 9 a.m.