One of the most popular games at the festival was Can Bam, run by the NAACP’s Lower Sussex County Youth Council No. 2719. Kids had the chance to knock down as many cans as they could for a prize. Elliott Gaestel, 7, of Milton takes his best shot as Sarah Smith looks on. RYAN MAVITY PHOTOS
Ryan Mavity
July 4, 2024
It has become Milton tradition that every year on July 4, Milton Memorial Park turns back the clock with an old-fashioned celebration known as the Mayberry Festival. The event features kids’ games, a patriotic bike parade and decorating contest, a dunk tank and a water balloon fight.
Jim Coverdale of the Milton Lions Club pilots the Milton Clipper Express through Memorial Park.
For kids and adults, one of the biggest challenges was seeing if they could beat chess whiz Rick Thompson.
Evelyn Burkowski, 5, tries to get the ball into the cupcake tray.
In addition to fun and games, there was a bit of education too, as Barbara Johnson of the Delaware Readiness Teams, a statewide nonprofit, was on hand with free books.
Robbie Payton of Milton Fire Department takes his turn in the dunk tank.
Travis Holleman of Camp R.O.O.T.S. in Georgetown holds Sweetie, part of the festival’s petting zoo.