PSP Borden ends the summer season strong with the Borden Blast celebration
Every year on 21 September, the last day of summer is celebrated by welcoming all of CFB Borden’s current and newly posted members, their families and the public to the Borden Blast; a family fun day filled with furry friends, mascots, bouncy castles, carnival games, military vehicles, $10,000 of prizes and this year’s new Ferris Wheel!
With nearly 3,000 people in attendance, this year’s event was our biggest blast yet and was presented by Georgian College, McDonald’s Angus, Maidens Family Auto Care and BMO who showed their support of the CAF and CFB Borden.
Family Activities
CFB Borden is home to many families and the Borden Blast sparks the new school year off by creating a greater sense of community through various family-oriented activities.
Vendors stationed across from the Buell Fitness and Aquatics Centre included entities from around the Base and local businesses to let our members know who to reach when any of life’s challenges arise.
The Borden Blast featured a plethora of food trucks and an inclusion area for children with special needs to meet the unique preferences and needs of diverse families. There were over 20 different styles of inflatable bouncy castles for kids to choose from too.
This year wouldn’t have been the same without the balloon artists, face painters and petting zoo owners who helped bring smiles to the faces of all in attendance.
G-Wagon Rides and Displays
In recent years, a family favourite at the Borden Blast has been a G Wagon ride around the Base, showcasing the versatility, comfort and resilience of the vehicle to adults and kids alike!
Many other military vehicles were present including a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) charter bus and freight truck, MSVS Mack truck, John Deere JD 410 Backhoe, Leopard 2 ARV and Flakpanzer tank stationed by members and historians who were knowledgeable about the equipment.
From Edenvale Airport’s Classic Aircraft Foundation came tot-sized pedal planes for young ones to ride in, alongside the kid’s train that carried families around the event grounds.
For the adults, Harley Davidson Barrie featured a dynamometer test where you could learn to ride a Harley while sitting on their latest and greatest models!
Prizes
This year, the military exclusive prize draw valued at $10,000 included an iPad, Play Station 5, Nintendo Switch, $1,000 Costco giftcard, $1,000 Porter Airlines gift card, $1,000 Muskoka Beer Spa gift card, $1,000 Blue Mountain gift card, four Medieval Times passes, two Vetta Spas passes, two $200 Toys R Us gift cards, two $500 Sobeys gift cards and two $250 Canadian Tire gift cards.
On behalf of PSP and the Borden Blast organizers, we want to thank all the local units and departments that came out this year to connect with the CAF community. Another big thank you to Georgian College, McDonald’s Angus, Maidens Family Auto Care and BMO for being the presenting sponsors of this year’s celebration.
Thank you to our local community members and military families for attending this years Borden Blast! We look forward to seeing you next year.
