Matthew Farfan

Last-minute preparations are underway for Border Fest, Stanstead's annual springtime celebration of life on the border. This year marks the fifth anniversary of this popular local festival, which has grown by leaps and bounds since it was started by a small group of volunteers back in 2000. Border Fest this year takes place on May 29, with activities beginning at 8 a.m.

The programme this year includes the ever-popular parade down historic Dufferin Street, a 5 km running race through the streets of town, a host of children's games, artisans' tables, and an evening beef méchoui served under a big tent. There will also be open houses at the Colby-Curtis Museum and other sites around town, including the Centenary United Church (celebrating its 200th anniversary), the Haskell Free Library (celebrating its 100th), the Ursuline Monastery, and Sacré-Coeur Church. Evening entertainment, always a crowd-pleaser, includes performances by Bigfoot, Mike Goudreau and Friends and Four-Eyed Jerry.

New this year are an exhibition of collections of every shape and size, and a truck pull, which takes place at the baseball park. Entry to the festival grounds are free, with the exception of the truck pull, which is $5.00 (for ages 12 and over). Cantines will be available on site.



(Photos: Matthew Farfan)