MILTON, Del. - Despite financial challenges and some changes in location, Milton Theatre’s Pride Fest and Zombie Fest will go on as planned, according to the theater’s director of operations, Jacey Brittingham.
Brittingham said the theater requested an invoice upfront from the town but never received one, prompting the events to be relocated. Pride Fest will be confined to the Milton Theatre's outside property, and Zombie Fest will be at Hudson Fields. Still, she emphasized that the spirit and energy of the events remains unchanged.
“It wasn’t an option for us not to do Pride. It’s also not an option for us to not do Zombie Fest,” Brittingham said. “We put our heart and soul into every single thing we do here.”
While the festivities will proceed, changes in size and location have sparked concern among local business owners. Kristen Latham, co-owner of the Dough Bar, worries the move could affect revenue.
“We thrive when our town thrives,” Latham said. “When our town is busy, we’re busy.”
Milton Mayor John Collier declined to comment on the theater’s decision or cost concerns. Meanwhile, longtime theater member John Groves expressed mixed feelings.
“There’s a little bit of tradition there,” Groves said. “It’s kind of sad to see that disrupted.”
Despite the shift, organizers say the celebration—and its community impact—will endure.