“I live in Franklin, and I love these downtown festivals. I love bringing my kids – and the fact that we don’t have to go to Boston for activities and things to do. We’re giving people a reason to be downtown and be together with this community,” says Scott Martin, who works at the Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock YMCA and is co-chairing the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Harvest Stroll this coming October 6, from 4-7 p.m.
“It’s a really cool thing now, that we’ve got the downtown redesigned,” says Scott. This gives people a reason to come down and see the unique businesses downtown.”
The Stroll will officially begin at 4 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony with town administrators, Franklin Downtown Partnership members and state officials Rep. Jeff Roy and Sen. Karen Spilka to mark the completion of the two-year construction project.
The town, says Scott, is more walkable than ever. Organizers expect thousands to turn out for the event to sample fall-themed foods, participate in activities, enjoy local artist performances and learn about businesses and organizations, with over 60 booths and locations downtown.
A sampling of the fun to be had, not to mention specials planned by individual businesses, includes:
A hayride, sponsored by Hillside Nurseries, which will operate near the Post Office on Main Street.
Two children’s areas operated by the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch – one in the Century 21 parking lot on Main Street and the other in THE BLACK BOX parking lot on West Central Street. New activities for kids and families include a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, carnival games, and face painting
FPAC members performing selected numbers from their upcoming Fiddler on the Roof at THE BLACK BOX at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Additionally, visitors can enter to win two free tickets to a “Fiddler” performance of their choice.
Franklin Fire Station’s popular “Touch-A-Truck” event.
A miniature metals exhibit at The Franklin Historical Museum
DJ Domenic Cotoia at the Century 21 Parking lot
Entertainers at Jane’s Frames, Dean Bank and Rockland Trust, including Mike Tarara, Jamie Barrett and ensembles from Franklin High School.
Main Street will be closed to car traffic for the event, which also will include participating businesses and activities along Summer, East Central and West Central streets. This will add to the block party atmosphere.
“This is the type of downtown block party we’ve been anticipating ever since the road construction project started. We’d like everyone to come see the improvements, enjoy the new amenities, and get to know new businesses,” says Lisa Piana, FDP Executive Director. “For 15 years FDP members have worked hard to bring more economic viability to downtown Franklin and we look forward to showing off the progress that’s been made so far.”
“Franklin is on the cusp of even more positive growth. It’s time for the community to experience the downtown’s growth first hand,” says Martin.
The 14th annual fall event is made possible by sponsorship of several local businesses.
Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust are Gold Sponsors.
Dean Bank, Franklin Ford and Keefe Insurance are Silver Sponsors.
Beaux Regards Photographic Art by Marjorie Sardella, Chestnut Dental, Digital Federal Credit Union, Michael Dunsky, Branch Manager Guaranteed Rate, Inc., and Hillside Nurseries are Bronze Sponsors.
D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center, Maven Hair Company, Rescom Exteriors, Simon’s Furniture, The Franklin Historical Museum and Tom Fricker Heating & A/C, Inc. are Friends Sponsors.
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating its 15th year as a non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of businesses, residents and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership runs events such as the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. New members are always welcome. Learn more at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.
Issue Date:
October, 2016
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