For 25 years, the Mill Creek Festival has been a signature summer tradition, bringing neighbors, families, and local businesses together in a way that feels uniquely “Mill Creek.” This milestone year marks both a celebration of that legacy and the beginning of a new chapter, with fresh leadership stepping in to build on what has made the festival so special.

Leading that next chapter is Adri Boer, owner of Freckle Face Entertainment, who has taken on the role of Festival Director for the 2026 event. Her connection to Mill Creek runs deep, both personally and professionally, and her energy is unmistakable. “I didn’t just join this community, I jumped in headfirst,” she shares. “Mill Creek is where I built my business, found my people, and decided to go all in.” That commitment is evident in how she has approached her first year, with a focus on honoring the past while elevating the experience. “I came in with a clear vision to keep the legacy and raise the bar,” she explains. “We kept the heart, that was non-negotiable. Now we’re elevating everything around it so the experience matches the energy this community brings.”

Boer’s path to this role began with the Community Stage, which she sponsored, produced, and hosted last year. Watching local performers and youth groups take the stage and fully own their moment left a lasting impression. “I said yes to one stage, and now here we are,” she says. When the opportunity arose to lead the entire festival, she didn’t hesitate.

That sense of continuity and growth is something long-time volunteers have helped shape over the years. Linda Martin, who has been part of the festival since 2002 and now serves as Co-Art Director, has witnessed its evolution firsthand. From its early days spread across multiple shopping centers to the vibrant, centralized event it is today, her perspective reflects both history and heart. “I’ve seen this festival evolve from being spread across five shopping centers to becoming the heart of Mill Creek Town Center,” she shares. One of her most vivid memories came during her first year as Festival Director, when she paused during vendor check-in and took in the full scene. “When I turned around and saw all the booths set up, color everywhere, it just hit me, we had a real festival,” she marvels.

For Greg Elwin, President of the Mill Creek Chamber of Commerce, that same sense of pride and connection continues to bring him back year after year. Having served in roles ranging from Mill Creek Police Chief to Festival Director and now overseeing key elements like the main stage and beer garden, he has seen what it takes to bring the event to life. “The Mill Creek Festival is the event of the year in our community,” he says. “It’s rewarding to see months of planning come together into an exciting weekend in July.” For Elwin, the most meaningful moments are often the simplest. “Seeing the community come together, families, local businesses, and volunteers all sharing in the same experience. That’s what the festival is all about,” he shares.

That strong sense of community is also what continues to draw local businesses into supporting the event. JL Remodeling, this year’s Presenting Sponsor, has been involved for several years and sees the festival as a natural extension of its relationship with Mill Creek. “We love Mill Creek, so being the presenting sponsor was an easy decision,” their team shares. With more than 20 years of work in the area, their ties to the community run deep. “Mill Creek homeowners have trusted us with something incredibly personal, their homes,” they explain. “We don’t take that lightly.” This year is especially meaningful, as the company celebrates its own 25th anniversary alongside the festival. “It’s an honor to be part of celebrating this milestone alongside our own,” they say.

As the festival enters its 25th year, attendees can expect both familiar traditions and thoughtful updates. Boer has worked to reimagine the festival layout to improve flow and create a stronger sense of energy throughout the event. New additions, including an expanded Family Fun Zone, a Car Show, and more interactive elements, are designed to give people more ways to engage. “We’ve reworked the footprint to give people more reasons to stay,” she says. “It turns it into something you feel, not just something you attend.”

Even with these updates, the heart of the festival remains unchanged. It is, and always has been, about the people. “It’s the people. Full stop,” Boer says. “This festival works because this community keeps choosing it.” From live music and artisan vendors to shared meals and spontaneous moments in the middle of Mill Creek Boulevard, the event continues to reflect the spirit of the community itself.

For those who have never attended, Elwin offers a simple invitation. “The Mill Creek Festival is where community spirit comes to life,” he says. “It’s the perfect mix of hometown charm, local flavor, and summer fun.” As the festival celebrates 25 years, it stands as a reminder that while the event continues to evolve, its purpose remains the same, bringing people together and celebrating the place they call home.