MILTON, Del. — The Milton Chamber of Commerce has announced the cancellation of the Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival, citing logistical challenges and rising costs.
The decision was made by the Chamber's Board of Directors after what they described as “careful consideration.” In a letter to the community, the board emphasized that the choice to pause the event was not taken lightly.
“We understand the disappointment many will feel, as we too hold this event close to our hearts and appreciate its unique way of celebrating our beloved Milton and its natural heritage,” the letter stated.
Rising Costs, Limited Space Cited
The festival, which celebrates the connection between the annual horseshoe crab migration and the arrival of migrating shorebirds along Delaware’s coast, has drawn thousands of locals and visitors over the years. However, organizers say they’ve encountered increasing difficulty in maintaining the scale and quality of the event.
“Several key challenges – including, but not limited to, resource constraints limiting space and capacity, and rising costs causing funding gaps that take time to solve – made planning this year's event to the standards you have come to expect more difficult than we had anticipated or are able to overcome,” the Chamber explained.
Refunds for Vendors, Plans for the Future
According to the chamber, vendors who already submitted payments for the 2025 event will receive full reimbursements and those checks are being processed immediately.
Looking ahead, the Chamber says it remains committed to the festival’s long-term future. Organizers are actively exploring ways to reimagine the celebration with a renewed focus on conservation, education, and community engagement.
“We are reevaluating our structure, seeking new partner co-hosts, and hope to return with fresh energy and an expanded focus,” the statement read.
The Chamber encourages individuals and organizations interested in helping to bring back the festival in 2026 to get in touch.