Borderfest ready

 With a group of “intelligent, creative, diverse and hard working individuals” planning the event, the committee is looking forward to Borderfest 2017 being bigger and better than ever.
The event kicks off Friday, Aug. 11, with a street dance featuring  the Johnny Holm Band.
Saturday marks the big day for fun, kicking off with the Borderfest Parade at 10:30 a.m.
For this year’s Emmons Borderfest Grand Marshal, the Emmons city council chose a national guardsman to honor.
Mark Heggestad, chairman of Borderfest, said someone brought to his attention that Ray Folven should be nominated for grand marshal, especially for “his service to our country.”
Ray Folven, Emmons Class of 1986, will ride in the Borderfest parade, Saturday, Aug. 12, at 10:30 a.m.
“I felt honored when I was asked to be grand marshal,” said Folven. “I have always thought Emmons was a great hometown.”
“Ray is a super great guy and was on the Emmons Fire Department for a while. He should be honored for all the years he has been in the National Guard,” said Heggestad.
Folven told the Graphic that he has been in the National Guard since 1985 and has just completed his fourth tour in June. His first deployment was to Saudi Arabia in 2001; second to Afghanistan 2004-2005; third to Kuwait, 2011-12 and Egypt, from 2016-2017.
Folven’s wife’s name is Pam, and they have three grown children: daughter, Sam (Shawn) Dolsen, Emmons; son, Jonathan (Kendra) Folven, rural Alden; and Nathanial, 19, active duty, Marine Corps. Sam’s husband, Shawn, is also in the National Guard. The Folvens have three grandchildren—Lehla, 4; Gracie, 4, and Miyah, 2.
“It’s great being part of this community,” said Folven, “and I’m looking forward to being Grand Marshal.”
The musical entertainment on Saturday is highlighted by Casey Muessigmann, a native of Spencer, a performer at the Tree Town Music Festival, and runner up on season three of “The Voice.”
Muessigmann will be joined on stage by Lake Mills’ own Nate Sletten.
Other highlights of the day will include a free concert at 1 p.m., by Dunnel Lenort.
Fun and games will be available for all ages in the form of kids inflatables from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; vollleyball and bean bag tournaments will also be available for the adults throughout the day. Kids are also encouraged to partake in the Pedal Pull event at 1 p.m.
There will be a car and motorcycle show, running from Noon-3 p.m., followed by a fun cruise after the awards ceremony.
An antique tractor show will round out the motorized portion of weekend events, starting at noon Saturday.
The Emmons Legion, Sons of the American Legion and the Emmons Commercial Club will hold a porkchop supper fundraiser, from 4:30-7 p.m., Saturday.
In addition to the porkchop supper, the event will have food vendors available throughout the weekend, kicking off with the Senior Center bake sale at 9 a.m. Saturday morning.
In addition to the formal events, Emmons will host a number of garage sales throughout the weekend.