The Downtown Orangeville Business Improvement Area (BIA) has announced plans for its 39th annual Founders' Fair celebration on Friday and Saturday of next week, July 10 and 11.

Established in the summer of 1970, Founders' Fair was proclaimed by then Orangeville Mayor Gord Bredin, as an "atmosphere of pleasant shopping in our downtown area", while providing at the same time "a reflection on our past history".

Back in August 1970 a celebratory atmosphere prevailed with the downtown area festooned with flags and decorations in the colour "orange". Special sales and products were offered by downtown merchants, including a "shop the spots with orange dots" promotion. According to the official proclamation, "bargains, prizes and other attractions" added to the enjoyment.

The original festivities took place on August 13- 15, with the event winding up with a street dance in the parking lot on Saturday evening to the rear of the former Harrison building.

The 2009 Founders' Fair will take its direction from the original Fair in 1970. The BIA promises that a festive atmosphere will prevail, and activities throughout the weekend will celebrate the community, with a myriad of activities beginning on Friday evening at 6.

Broadway will be closed from Wellington Street to First, between 4 p.m. Friday and midnight Saturday. Downtown shopkeepers will be offering special sales and products throughout the celebration, entertainers and local musicians will be performing on stages located throughout the downtown area, and buskers will be performing and strolling along the streets entertaining visitors of all ages.

Shoppers will delight in an old-fashioned Penny Sale taking place in the downtown area. Pick up your "spot the orange dots" card, for only 25¢, and see if you can win one of the many items being offered by downtown merchants.

Opening ceremonies will take place at 7 p.m. Friday with a performance by A Different Spin and a special balloon launch, along with the band Campfire Poets performing at the Main Stage sponsored by Silverbrook Homes & MacMaster Pontiac.

At the Meridian Credit Union Stage, crowds will be entertained by children's performer Miss Jenni & Company, dance troupes and more

On Saturday, the celebration continues with the Market on Broadway farmers' market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a dance, martial arts and kickboxing demonstrations, buskers and more. At the Main Stage internationally recognized ventriloquist Mark Crocker will perform and be the emcee for the day's activities. The in Motion Family Fun Zone on Mill Street will feature free Wee game trials, rock climbing wall, an exotic petting zoo, pony rides, crafts, paintball and much more.

For a complete schedule of Founders' Fair activities and performances, or for more information visit: www.discoverbroadway. ca