Borden festival brings town out for day in the park

Clark County

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June 13, 2009

Shabrelle Pollock The News and Tribune Sat Jun 13, 2009, 09:33 PM EDT

Laughter, revving engines and the smell of funnel cakes wafted through the air of Borden Community Park on Saturday as locals came out for the annual Borden Valley Day Festival.

Formerly known as Day in the Park, this was the second year for the event under its new name. The event served as a fundraiser for the town’s park and gave residents and visitors a chance to have fun while supporting the community.

“The goal of [the festival] is to have quality fun for all ages,” Janice Carter said.

Carter is on the Borden Community Park Board and is a member of the 11-person committee that planned the event. Last year’s festival brought out a few thousand people, and Carter was pleased with the fact that buzz this year was bigger.

“I think it’s important to [have] community involvement,” she said. “The festival shows off the park and [helps] to maintain it.”

The day’s events included a 5k run/walk, a parade, queen contest, various booths, games, a car show and live performances among activities.

Borden residents Debbie and Brian Hurst, along with their friends Monty and Linda Schneider, participated in the 5k.

“We’re here to support the community,” Debbie Hurst said.

Though they live in Sellersburg, the Schneiders enjoyed the event as well and were impressed with the organization of the run/walk, as it was the first year for that event.

“It’s a beautiful day,” Linda Schneider said. “Good first year.”

Missy Hurst was among the many who attended the festival just to have a good time. She and her son, Evan, watched the parade, collecting the candy that was thrown out by different groups.

“We came out to support the town,” she said. “Evan had a good time.”

Jennifer Bahan and Monica Everage each had booths at the festival.

“[This] is fun for the whole town,” Bahan said.

She is the den mother for Cub Scouts Pack 88. The booth serves as one of the primary fundraisers for the troop, enabling it to have funding for dues and supplies.

Everage’s booth raised money for several different organizations, including the local veterans group and the historical society. Her whole family participated in the festival in some capacity.

“I’m the only one not in the parade,” Everage joked.

Her husband, Brian, and youngest child rode with the fire department while her older two children marched with the Borden High School Band.

“My husband has lived [in Borden] his whole life and I moved here from Louisville 10 years ago,” she said. “Growing up in a big city, no one knows your name. It’s different here.”

While support and fundraising were the goals of the day, Everage acknowledged that the event provided much more. She explained that with a town as close-knit as Borden, the event was a true testament to the strong community.

“It warms your heart,” she said.