The Freedom Festival will be back in Milford this year, with funding from the city.
After its cancellation last year because of COVID-19, the Milford Chamber of Commerce hopes to bring back the Freedom Festival in 2021.
Milford City Council approved the $30,000 festival organizers sought to help pay for entertainment, security, advertising and fireworks at its Monday meeting.
Councillor Jason James says the whole city is excited for the festival to return.
“I just think that the community so much needs this," James said. "I really hope that nothing goes the other direction to prevent it from happening cause I think everyone really needs this, Milford really needs this.”
Organizers plan to put extra precautions in place this year, but what they will look like is uncertain since it's unknown what the pandemic will look like in September.
Some council members worried the festival could be cancelled again this year, leaving the city out $30,000 with nothing to show.
Chamber of commerce executive director Jo Schmeiser says that’s being worked into the contracts this year.
“Some of the performers that we’re inviting, also very local," she said. "Of course they’re — I believe would be willing to work with us if not returning a deposit, possibly maybe even putting it towards a following year.”
Schmeiser says the chamber plans to work with the Department of Public Health to ensure the festival follows any safety precautions still in effect in September.
City councilors granted the chamber the money, as well as a permit to service alcohol. The festival is scheduled for September 18th.
