By Kristin Bednarski
Sun staff

The 51st annual Frontier Days festival will be held May 30-June 2 this year.

The festival, held in Milford, features several days of entertainment and activities.

Darrell Baumann, Frontier Days chairman, said it is a great opportunity for people in the community to visit with each other and enjoy fun activities.

“It’s a chance to come down and socialize with old friends and schoolmates,” Baumann said.

Baumann said people can ride rides, listen to music, eat a variety of food, play games, and more.

“I think it’s true Americana,” Baumann said about the festival. “A small-town atmosphere where a lot of people know each other. It’s what America is all about.”

Baumann said some of the highlight events during the festival include the parade on Thursday, the musical entertainment playing each night, and the frog jumping contest.

“One of the longest things we’ve had going is the frog jumping contest,” Baumann said. “I am guessing we had 40 frogs last year.”

Baumann said last year they began giving away prizes to winners. He said children ages 3-16 years old can participate.

Baumann said they will be having a variety of food vendors at the event this year. He said some of the vendors use the festival as a fund-raiser for their organization.

He said there will be BBQ ribs, corn on the cob, hot dogs, fish and fries, pizza, funnel cakes and more.

“There is a wide range of food,” Baumann said. “There is a lot of shade by the riverbank to eat and drink.”

Baumann said there will be free, live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights on the stage near the entrance of the festival.

Baumann said Frontier Days festival has become tradition in Milford that began more than 50 years ago on the riverbank in downtown Milford.

“Business people set up by the river during the canoe events,” Baumann said. “Someone opened it up to clubs and organizations and it has just grown ever since.”

Baumann said the event is a lot of work each year, but the Frontier Days Committee enjoys making it available for the community.

“I think for the Frontier Days Committee it’s a way to give back to the public and do something the public likes and enjoys,” Baumann said. “It’s what we are, it’s enjoying our small town.”

Baumann said they are always looking for volunteers to help with the festival each year. He said anyone who is interested in volunteering can call (513) 831-2411.

For more information about Frontier Days, or to view a schedule of events, visit www.frontierdaysmilford.com.