MILFORD BOROUGH, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Milford Borough celebrated one of its longest-running community traditions Sunday, Oct. 25, as residents and visitors gathered for the annual Milford Bed Race and a day of festivities that included a Halloween parade, fall festival, magic show, duck race and fireworks.
Hunterdon County Commissioner Susan J. Soloway participated in the bed race, while Commissioner Shaun C. Van Doren and County Clerk Mary H. Melfi attended the celebration, joining families and community members for the annual event.
The festivities were held as a rescheduled celebration following the postponement of the annual Milford Alive! festival because of weather concerns.
“Events like the Milford Bed Race remind us of the power of community and the importance of local traditions,” said Commissioner Susan J. Soloway. “Despite the weather-related postponement, residents, volunteers, and organizers came together to make this celebration a success. I am grateful to everyone who helped create such a memorable day for families throughout Hunterdon County.”
Milford’s Fall Festival and Bed Race tradition dates back to 1982 and has remained a fixture of the borough’s community calendar for more than four decades. The event has evolved over the years while continuing to bring residents together through activities and entertainment.
In 2012, the festival faced an uncertain future because of a shortage of volunteers. Local resident Wayne Miller helped reimagine the celebration, leading to the creation of Milford Alive!, an expanded event that built on the original Fall Festival and Bed Race.
The expanded festival introduced additional attractions, including live entertainment, family activities, local vendors, historical exhibits and fireworks, transforming the longstanding tradition into a full-day community celebration.
Now in its 44th year, the tradition continues to attract residents and visitors from throughout Hunterdon County and the surrounding region while preserving the community spirit that has defined the event since its beginnings.
County officials credited residents, volunteers and organizers for helping make this year’s rescheduled celebration possible despite the earlier weather-related postponement.
