This year's Lums Pond State Park Pond Fest 2025 raised $18,000 to expand kayaking and youth education programs
BEAR – The second annual Pond Fest 2025 held Saturday at Lums Pond State Park proved to be a huge success. The Friends of Lums Pond (FOLP) reported the event raised more than $18,000 to support its mission to increase access to the park, fund scholarships and improve amenities. “Every dollar raised goes right back into Lums Pond, but the real reward is seeing how it brings people together for good,” said Bryan Mey, president of Friends of Lums Pond.
The Fall Festival, held Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., brought together live music, local food vendors, craft booths and outdoor fun — all for a good cause.
“What started as a local celebration has grown into a true expression of what can happen when people come together with a common goal,” 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 Lums Pond State Park's Pond Fest 2025
Music, fun and fundraising under the trees
Pond Fest 2025 featured a full program of local musicians, interactive performances, hayrides, raffles, arts and crafts and first responder exhibits. A 50/50 raffle and silent auction helped total proceeds exceed $18,000. 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 and created 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 join us again this year! The local talent of the artisans and the love of community the vendors brought with them could be felt throughout the field.”
Supporting the park's mission
Funds raised by Pond Fest will help install an accessible kayak launch, expand youth education programming and provide scholarships for environmental learning opportunities. The nonprofit organization's volunteers continue to focus on improving accessibility and sustainability in the park.
Organizers thanked participants, sponsors and volunteers, saying the turnout exceeded expectations and strengthened the community's connection to Lums Pond.
“There’s something special about state parks – they always give something back.” Mey explained 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 want to achieve with Pond Fest: a positive, healing event that brings some light and energy to the community.”
Looking ahead
As Pond Fest completes 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 premier community fundraisers, proving that great music, great food and a 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 paradise of outdoor recreation and natural beauty. It is centered around the state's largest freshwater pond and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, biking and year-round camping. Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes, explore hiking trails like Little Jersey or Swamp Forest, and experience the Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park with 60 aerial obstacles. The park also features sports fields, plazas, a disc golf course, playgrounds and the Whale Wallow Nature Center, where guests can learn more about local wetlands and wildlife. It is 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 would like to support Pond Fest in improving access and access to Lums Pond, you can go to the donation page here https://donorbox.org/pond-fest-2025-donations.
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