This year’s Lums Pond State Park Pond Fest 2025 raised $18000 for the expansion of kayaking and youth education programs

Pond Fest 2025 draws big crowd, raises more than $18,000 for Friends of Lums Pond

BEAR — The second annual Pond Fest 2025, held Saturday at Lums Pond State Park proved to be a major success, with the Friends of Lums Pond (FOLP) reporting that the event raised more than $18,000 to support its mission of improving park access, funding scholarships, and enhancing amenities. “Every dollar raised goes right back into Lums Pond, but the real reward is seeing how it brings people together for something good,” shared Bryan Mey, President of Friends of Lums Pond.

The fall festival, held October 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., brought together live music, local food vendors, artisan booths, and outdoor fun—all for a good cause.

“What began as a local celebration has grown into a true reflection of what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose,” said Jessie Mey, Pond Fest Event Director.  “We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s festival so meaningful and exciting!” 

Music, events, crafts at the 2025 Lums Pond State Park’s Pond Fest 2025

Music, fun, and fundraising under the trees

Pond Fest 2025 featured a full lineup of local musicians, interactive demonstrations, hayrides, raffles, crafts, and first-responder exhibits. A 50/50 raffle and silent auctions helped push total proceeds past the $18,000 mark. Many food trucks and breweries donated a portion of their sales to the Friends of Lums Pond, adding to the day’s generosity.

The festival welcomed more than 30 vendors and nonprofit partners, creating a lively atmosphere that reflected Delaware’s community spirit.

Jenny Grady, the event’s Vendor Coordinator said, “It was exciting to see several returning vendors joining us again this year! The local talent of crafters and community love that the vendors brought could be felt across the field” 

Supporting the park’s mission

Funds raised from Pond Fest will help install an accessible kayak launch, expand youth educational programming, and provide scholarships for environmental learning opportunities. The nonprofit’s volunteers continue to focus on improving accessibility and sustainability within the park.

Organizers expressed gratitude to attendees, sponsors, and volunteers, saying the turnout exceeded expectations and reinforced the community’s connection to Lums Pond.

“There’s something about state parks that feels special—they always give back to you.” Mey said about why the event is growing.  “The people who come together around them are genuine, caring, and want to do something good. That’s what we’re trying to build with Pond Fest: a positive, wholesome event that brings some light and energy into the community.”

Looking ahead

As Pond Fest wraps its second year, organizers are already planning for 2026. Feedback from this year’s attendees will guide new features, while expanded sponsorship opportunities aim to increase the event’s long-term impact.

With strong local support and clear goals for accessibility and inclusion, Pond Fest has quickly become one of Delaware’s signature community fundraisers, proving that great music, good food, and shared purpose can make a lasting difference for the state’s largest pond.

Lums Pond State Park in Bear, Delaware, is a 1,790-acre haven for outdoor recreation and natural beauty. Surrounding the state’s largest freshwater pond, it offers boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and year-round camping. Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes, explore trails like the Little Jersey or Swamp Forest, and experience the Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park with 60 aerial obstacles. The park also features sports fields, courts, a disc golf course, playgrounds, and the Whale Wallow Nature Center, where guests can learn about local wetlands and wildlife. It’s a perfect destination for families, adventurers, and nature lovers alike.

For more information about Friends of Lums Pond, visit https://friendsoflumspond.org/. If you missed this year’s event, and want to support Pond Fest in bringing greater access and accessibility to Lums Pond, you can go to the donation page here https://donorbox.org/pond-fest-2025-donations.

Staff Writer

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