“My favorite thing to do during summer is going downtown,” said freshman Chloe Gordon. School is almost out, which means summer is just around the corner. There are many fun activities to fill your free time. From spending time downtown to spending time being active outdoors, there is something for everyone to do this summer in Milford.

The summer fun kicked off this year with the annual Memorial Day Parade on May, 28. The parade started at 11 a.m. on Main Street. On Memorial Day every year, the American Legion sponsors a Memorial Day parade to honor veterans that also features local veterans organizations.

If you are into music, or are free on a Thursday night, head downtown to listen to the free Summer Concert Series.

Every Thursday starting June 7 to August 23, with the exception of August 9, there will be a Summer Concert Series occurring at Central Parkfrom 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. On June 7, Billy Mack & The Juke Joint Johnnies will be performing. Billy Mack, the leader of the Juke Joint Johnnies, has a strong, smooth voice, combined with his incredible vocal range, and has a dynamic stage presence. On June 14, Nick Palise & Soverign Blues will be performing. He was one of the most in-demand saxophone players in Metro Detroit and will be coming to Central Park. Palise is also a former Huron Valley Schools band director. He plays in several local professional jazz, blues and big band groups. For more information on the Summer Concert Series go to www.meetmeinmilford.com/1/Oakland_County_Michigan/calendar.asp and select the desired date.

If you aren’t into music, downtown offers many great arts and crafts for people to participate in.

On every Thursday from May 5 to October 20 local farmers, producers, and artisans will be participating in the Milford Farmer’s Market in Downtown Milford. The Milford Farmer’s Market has children activities, cooking demos and many other special events. The Milford Farmer’s Market only considers products made or grown in Michigan.

The Aubergine Gallery is located in Milford Michiganon 338 N. Main St. The Aubergine Gallery was established in 2005 by artists who want to promote creative awareness and expression in the community. The Aubergine Gallery hosts many local artists for more information on upcoming events, please visit www.auberginegallery.com

However if music, arts, and crafts aren’t your thing, Downtown Milford has amazing shopping opportunities to meet any shoppers needs.

Shop, Rock and Stroll in Downtown Milford is an annual summer Sidewalk Sales that offer fun for the whole family. There will be many entertaining things for kids to participate in including blow-up rides, rock climbing walls, sumo wrestling. Head downtown on June 10 and June 11 to grab some great deals and have a good time.

Finally, in Downtown Milford near the end of the summer is the well known Milford Memories.

“I like Milford Memories and seeing everyone before school starts,” said Gordon.

Milford Memories will occur this year from August 12 – 14 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Milford art community presents their work for purchase by visitors. Milford Memories draws an estimated 200,000 visitors to Downtown every year. The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce does a fantastic job in making the Milford Memories festival one of the most memorable events in southeast Michigan. Milford Memories has amazing shopping opportunities, a Civil War reenactment, music, dancing, canoe racing, a film festival and many other planned events for everyone. For more information please go to www.milfordmemories.com/1/mm/index.asp.

“Milford Memories is my favorite thing to do during summer,” said freshman Sam Jaklic. “I like being with all my friends and spending all day with them.”

When your done shopping, everyone needs to stop by these restaurants to get something delicious to eat.

The Burget Joint is one of the many wonderful restaurants in Downtown Milford. “I like hanging out with my friends downtown and going to the Burger Joint,” said sophomore Jeffery Sturgeon. Cinco Lagos, Coratti’s on Main, Hector & Jimmy’s, Jet’s Pizza, Jimmy Johns, Klancy’s Restaurant, Le Rendez Vous, Milford House, and Starbuck’s Coffee are all located on N. Main Streetand are all amazing places to eat.

Some students, like sophomore Meghan Smith, like being outside during the summer.

“I like taking my dog for walks during the summer,” said Smith. “I also love to go running with Rachel Barrett at Kensington Metropark.”

In Kensington Metropark, there is something for everyone. Kensington Metropark is located on 4,481 acres of beautiful land 10 minutes south of Downtown Milford. Amazing things to do at Kensington include golfing, a Nature Center, swimming, boating, horseback riding, Frisbee Golf, and Splash ‘N Blast water slide and spray park. Kensington Metropark is located on 2240 W. Buno Road Milford. For more details visit www.metroparks.com

Mystic Creek Golf Club is located in Camp Dearborn off of General Motors Road. Juniors (17 and under) play free on weekends and holidays after 3 p.m. with a paid green card. For tee times and more information visit www.mysticcreekgc.com.

Kensington Mills Falls is a great miniature golf course located on 2055 South Milford Roadnext to Holden’s Party Store and Bakers of Milford. After putting you can go across the street to Dairy Queen to cool off from the hot summer sun. For more information call (248) 685-2705.

All of these places offer exciting things to fill people’s free time. If you are bored during the summer, this list provides some great place to hang out and some great things to do. For more information on things happening in Milford visit www.huronvcc.com.