By Elle Wood

MILFORD — The city is ready to shamrock and roll during the St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl on Saturday.

From 5 to 11 p.m., downtown bars, as well as some around the rest of Milford, will have a variety of specials for eventgoers.

Sara LeBright, interim executive director of Downtown Milford Inc,, said she wants to help showcase area businesses as much as possible.

“I hope it brings more people to see the businesses we have because if you do not drive downtown, you miss out on the new places that are constantly opening,” said Ms. LeBright. “Just as I have started in November, we have had four or five new places that people don’t know about.”

A variety of specials will be highlighted. For instance, La Hacienda, a Mexican restaurant and bar, will ha a chips and dip special during the pub crawl.

There will be a bus for guests who want to travel to other locations outside of downtown, arriving and departing from Arena’s. These include Surf and Turf, EasySpeak and Mispillion River Brewery.

One element of the pub crawl not returning this year is the tasting offered. Many of the business owners felt that it was not benefiting them in the long run.

“The businesses as a whole did not want to do the tasting because they didn’t feel like it was doing anything for their business,” said Ms. LeBright. “Since our job at Downtown Milford Inc. is to work hand and hand with our district, we want all of our businesses to be happy.”

Local businesses have donated items for raffles that will take place at Arena’s throughout the night, explained Ms. LeBright.

Downtown Milford has many businesses owned by locals and people who grew up in the area. Ms. LeBright wants the public to connect with the owners and advance the same support that she has.

“I want them to enjoy the experience of downtown and the people,” said Ms. LeBright. “We have a great community down here.

“I love working with all the businesses there. They all have families and stories and I love supporting all of them.”

Bracelets are on sale by visiting Downtownmilford.org. They cost $25 and get you the bus service, drink and food specials and more.

Another way to get a bracelet is by going to any of the downtown businesses and spending $25. Then bring your receipt to the Downtown Milford office at 10 S. Walnut St. for redemption. Appointments must be made before picking them up by calling the office at 302-839-1180.

Ms. LeBright is excited to host her first pub crawl as the interim executive director and wants everyone to see the growth that has happened in the area.

“I hope people want to be involved supporting downtown Milford because I really think it is the heart and soul of Milford as a whole.”