Matthew Farfan

The 2009 edition of Border Fest, the popular festival held each year in Stanstead, is shaping up to be another excellent day for the whole family. The event, which takes place this year on July 11, with activities taking place at a number of venues along Dufferin Street, includes a variety of attractions.

“Le Coureur,” the annual 5-km running race kicks off the day at 9:30 a.m. The finish line is at Stanstead town hall. The opening ceremonies and parade on Dufferin Street will begin at 10:30 a.m.

A collectors’ exhibition and craft show, a big draw each year, will run the entire day in the Sunnyside Elementary School gym. Collectors of everything from model trains to license plates will be on hand to show off their most prized pieces. Also at this event (and appropriately for Border Fest), the new book, The Vermont-Quebec Border: Life on the Line, will be launched. Author Matthew Farfan will be on hand to autograph copies of the book.

Stanstead College will be hosting a barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds from the sale of hotdogs and burgers will go to Border Minor Hockey. A car show is scheduled for most of the day, as are the ever-popular firemen’s games. A comical magic show will be sure to be a crowd favourite once again. Shows will take place at 12:45 p.m. and again at 2:45 p.m.

The Colby-Curtis Museum will be holding their annual “Tastes of the Region” event from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Other activities throughout the day include Euro Bungee and other children’s games, a community choir (1:30 p.m.), a supper hosted by Stanstead IGA, musical entertainment from 8 p.m. to midnight, with a fireworks display at 10 p.m. The day promises to be an entertaining one, with much to see and do.