Last year, when Milford Brewgrass Festival Event Organizer Sara Pletcher put this event together, she had no idea it would be so successful.

The idea of a brewgrass festival was something Sara had experienced while traveling to North Carolina, and she brought it back to her hometown – Milford, Del. The Milford Brewgrass Festival was supposed to just be an inaugural event, but after selling over 500 tickets last year, they decided to make it an annual event.

Photo: ‘John Mollura Photography’

The Second Annual Milford Brewgrass Festival, presented by Mispillion River Brewing, is Sunday, June 12, 1 pm – 6 pm. The event offers live bluegrass music, food, and beer tastings from local Delaware and Maryland breweries.

“We have four brewgrass bands and four acoustic bands throughout the day. Ken and Brad Kolonder are our headliner father-son duo coming from Baltimore, Md. and 10 breweries coming from the Eastern Shore,” Sara says.

Harrison Doyle

Local artist Harrison Doyle recently performed in the DelmarvaLife studio. He played two original songs and told us how he became a headliner on the acoustic stage for the Brewgrass Festival in the Mispillion Brewing “Battle 2 Brewgrass.” Downtown Milford Inc. hosted the three lead-up events prior to the festival where 14 bands competed for one 30-minute set on the Brewgrass Festival acoustic stage. Harrison won the battle and plays on the acoustic stage at Bicentennial Park at 4:30 pm.

They are also bringing back their homebrew competition because it was such a success last year. The homebrews will be professionally judged ahead of time and by the public at the festival. New this year is Breakthru Beverage Group. They will be on site handing out samples of whiskey and vodka and Rebel Seed Cider will have three different types of cider.

“We’re also introducing a hat contest this year,” Sara says. “This contest will be judged by Mayor Bryan Shupe and City Manager Eric Norenberg.”

There is also Mispillion Art League’s Brushes and Booze which you will want to buy tickets for as well. There are two seatings offered during the festival, which Cathy Walls will be teaching. The first seating is 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm and the second seating is 4 pm – 5 pm. There are 24 seats avaible in each class so purchase your tickets ahead of time.

The proceeds from this event directly benefit Downtown Milford, Inc., a non-profit that promotes the historical business district of Milford.

Photo: ‘John Mollura Photography

“Last year we raised over $14,000 for DMI and those funds can be seen throughout town in a new multicultural mural, new events like the International Food Festival, and various other projects,” Sara says.Sara also mentions that the success of this festival would not be possible without the help of volunteers.

“DMI is a volunteer-driven organization and it takes nearly 50 volunteers the day of the event and a committee of about 20 leading up to it to pull this Festival off,” Sara says. “Last year, we calculated over 1000 hours of volunteer service were donated to the festival.”

Each participant will pay an entrance fee and receive a souvenir cup for their tastings. Designated drivers will receive soda or water included in their $5 entry ticket.

“The craft beer industry is booming and everyone wants to be a part of it,” Sara says. “I’m thrilled Milford has embraced an event that captures today’s trend all while showcasing the Mispillion River.”

Milford Brewgrass Festival

• Sunday, June 12
• 1 pm – 6 pm
• Bicentennial Park and Memorial Parks in Downtown Milford, Del.
• Buy tickets ahead of time and save $10. $30 General Admission, $5 Designated Driver
• Purchase tickets for festival and Brushes and Booze here.