MILTON, Del. - Two major downtown events in Milton are seeing significant changes this year: Milton Pride Fest and the Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival.
Milton Pride Fest, the annual celebration hosted by the Milton Theatre, will remain on theatre property and the theatre's surrounding outside area rather than taking over the streets of downtown.
The organization posted to their Facebook page Wednesday the map below and with the theme, "SMALL TOWN, BIG HEART." The theatre says the festival will include live performances, local vendors and family fun.
The theatre says the festival will include live performances, local vendors and family fun. (Milton Theatre)
Meanwhile, the popular Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival has been canceled entirely. The Milton Chamber of Commerce cited several challenges, including limited space and increasing costs, in a statement announcing the decision.
The changes have sparked disappointment among some locals and frequent visitors.
“I've always had a great time. Everybody is cordial and nice. So that's why I keep coming back,” said Stephanie Whaley, who travels from Laurel for Milton events each year.
“I don't understand why it's been changed. There's been things that's been going on here for a right good while,” said Claudia, a longtime Milton local.
Brian Phile, who lives on Union Street, said he enjoys seeing the community come alive during local festivals.
“It does bother me a little bit because we live right on Union Street. So anytime we're having these kind of festivals and events, it's always nice to get out and see everything going on and it's nice to have people come into Milton to see it all happening,” Phile said.
While the Horseshoe Crab Festival won’t return this year, Milton Pride festivities remain on schedule — just with a smaller footprint.
