Monica Ignaszewski, Tribune staff writer

For one weekend a year Emmons’ population swells from 430 to an estimated 4,000. The town’s annual Borderfest offers entertainment for all ages with its nightly street dances, classic car cruise and even an ATV mud bog.

Founded by Jared Dawson, Borderfest replaced the Emmons Fling three years ago.

Mayor Paul Henschel called the change a positive one.

&uot;Sometimes we feel like we’re just an island between Albert Lea and Lake Mills,&uot; Henschel said. &uot;Borderfest creates some excitement and draws people in when they would just drive through otherwise.&uot;

New to Borderfest this year, the ATV mud bog challenges riders to navigate though a deepening mud bog. The rider who travels the longest distance in their category wins. Dawson said the event is drawing people from around the state, and even a few out of state ATVs are registered to compete.

Here’s a look at the events planned for Borderfest, beginning tonight:

Thursday

Street dance featuring the Johnny Holm Band. Admission is $10; starting at 8 p.m.

Friday

Borderfest Parade throughout Emmons featuring Glenville-Emmons, Albert Lea, Alden-Conger and NRHEG marching bands. Starts at 6:30 p.m.

Street dance featuring the Full House band; free admission starting at 8 p.m.

Saturday

Main Street flea market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Garage sale items, antiques and produce are all welcome.

&uot;Run the Border&uot; 5K registration starts at 10 a.m. in front of the bank, with start time set for 10:30 a.m. The race runs along State Line Road with trophies and medals awarded.

ATV mud bog registration at Gateway Park is also at 10 a.m. with activity starting at 10:30 a.m.

The sand volleyball tournament is also taking place in Gateway Park starting at 8 a.m. Prize money will be awarded.

The classic car cruise is set to organize at Alden’s Chrome Classics at 4 p.m. Cars will cruise the streets of Emmons around 7 p.m. Prize money will be awarded.

Street dance featuring the Rockin’ Hollywoods in downtown Emmons starting at 8 p.m. Admission is $5.

Sunday

Community church service held at Emmons Lutheran beginning at 9 a.m.

Antique Tractor pull at Gateway Park starts at 12 p.m. Prize money will be awarded.