Just a short drive from Saint John, two border communities continue a long standing celebration of friendship this week. The 53rd International Homecoming Festival returns to St. Stephen, New Brunswick, and Calais, Maine, despite ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States.

According to CTV News, the festival runs from Wednesday until Sunday. The theme for this year is Through the Years.

Opening Ceremonies and the Great Duck Race

An opening ceremony handshake between the mayors of St. Stephen and Calais officially starts the festival on Wednesday evening. Members from both communities meet on the Ferry Point International Bridge. Here they traditionally exchange greetings and flags from each country.

The Great Homecoming Duck Race returns just prior to the handshake ceremony. Numbered rubber ducks float down the St. Croix River. The winning duck crosses the finish line for a grand prize of $1,000. Volunteers stand by during and after the event to retrieve all rubber ducks from the water.

Festival organizer Chandra Best wants you to join the fun. “We hope that event will get people downtown for the bridge’s opening ceremony,” says Best. “We want people to come down, enjoy the water with us, and then be here to open up this wonderful event.”

Weekend Parades and Fireworks

On Saturday morning, the international parade starts in St. Stephen on Budd Avenue. The route crosses the Ferry Point International Bridge and finishes in Calais on North Street.

“We have over 30 entries this year,” says Best. “Get down for that parade, it’s going to be a good one.”

A fireworks show over the St. Croix River lights up the sky on Saturday evening. You will have a great view from either side of the border.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the International Homecoming Festival take place?

The festival begins on Wednesday and runs until Sunday.

Where do the festival events happen?

Events take place across the border in both St. Stephen, New Brunswick, and Calais, Maine.

What is the prize for the duck race?

The owner of the winning rubber duck receives a grand prize of $1,000.

What is the route for the international parade?

The parade starts on Budd Avenue in St. Stephen, crosses the Ferry Point International Bridge, and ends on North Street in Calais.