Farwell, Texico celebrate 52nd Border Town Days

It took a little longer than usual to get going. But once the 52nd Annual Border Town Days was under way, people seemed to enjoy the family atmosphere that develops when the communities of Farwell and Texico come together.

Rob Pomper, chairman of Border Town Days, said miscommunication with the railroad caused the parade that kicks off the festivities to start about an hour late.

"What are you going to do though? It's not like you can beat the train. The train's going to win," Pomper said. "We had to sit out there for an hour. That was not fun. But everyone was safe and it turned into a pretty darn good parade and I'll take that any day of the week."

The parade, which starts in Texico, crosses the train tracks and the Texas state line and ends at the city park in Farwell each year, featured more than 50 entries on Saturday.

They included several classic cars and tractors, cheerleaders and football players from both Farwell and Texico and fire and ambulance vehicles from both towns.

"Those Texico fire trucks are always impressive but I'm biased because I'm from Texico," Ronnie Curry said.

Several of the floats followed a theme of supporting school teachers as the teachers of Farwell and Texico served as honorary parade marshals.

"It was just our chance to say we love our teachers," Pomper said. "... (T)hey don't get a chance to be appreciated very often."

Following the parade the festivities continued at the Farwell city park with live music, food, dozens of vendors and games for kids.

Pomper said there were five class reunions and at least two family reunions this weekend, which contributed to the family atmosphere.

Connie Phillips Fiola said about 30 people attended her Farwell class of 1968's 50th reunion.

"... (I)t's just like it was yesterday - just take right up where it was," said Deb Hargrove Troost.

Those who came out on Saturday said they always enjoy it when the two communities get together.

"It's basically one town but there's a major border that goes between them," said Josh Hettinga, who lives just outside Farwell.

"In sports they're pretty good rivals, but when the two towns get together, they get along and have a good time," said Steve Miller, who grew up in Farwell.

Though Border Town Days might seem small in stature — the communities' combined population is fewer than 2,500 — organizers of the event are just fine with that.

"The important thing is it's just local people coming together. This is not a festival of epic proportions and we don't want it to be," Pomper said.