Strawberry Stroll - Entertainment Schedule - Friday, June 13, 2025

4:00 PM – 

• Ribbon Cutting at Historical Museum Strawberry Patch 

• Dom DeBaggis at performance area by Dean Bank (4:00 to 5:45) 

• The Padula Band at performance area by Public Library/Dean College (4:00 to 5:45) 

• MyFM 101.3 is by the Railroad Bridge performance area for the afternoon 

4:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, at Little Shop Parking Lot 

• Upcycled/Recycled Fashion Show hosted by First United Methodist Church Community Closet on Historical Museum Porch

 

5:00 PM – 

• Feet in Motion School of Dance by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

Strawberry Stroll - June 13, 2025

5:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, at Little Shop Parking Lot 

5:45 PM – 

• Desi Swag Queens by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

6:00 PM -

 • Heath Nisbett at performance area by Dean Bank (6:00 to 7:45) 

• Rep. Jeff Roy at performance area by Public Library/Dean College (6:00 to 7:45) 

6:10 PM – 

• Feet in Motion School of Dance by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

6:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, Little Shop Parking Lot 

Note: Times may be subject to change.

Visit the Franklin Downtown Partnership website for news and schedule updates.

https://franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Timeline of Events: Franklin Downtown Partnership Strawberry Stroll - June 13, 2025

4:00 PM – 

• Ribbon Cutting at Historical Museum Strawberry Patch 

• Dom DeBaggis at performance area by Dean Bank (4:00 to 5:45) 

• The Padula Band at performance area by Public Library/Dean College (4:00 to 5:45) 

• MyFM 101.3 is by the Railroad Bridge performance area for the afternoon 

4:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, at Little Shop Parking Lot 

• Upcycled/Recycled Fashion Show hosted by First United Methodist Church Community Closet on Historical Museum Porch

 

5:00 PM – 

• Feet in Motion School of Dance by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

Strawberry Stroll - June 13, 2025

5:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, at Little Shop Parking Lot 

5:45 PM – 

• Desi Swag Queens by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

6:00 PM -

 • Heath Nisbett at performance area by Dean Bank (6:00 to 7:45) 

• Rep. Jeff Roy at performance area by Public Library/Dean College (6:00 to 7:45) 

6:10 PM – 

• Feet in Motion School of Dance by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

6:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, Little Shop Parking Lot 

Note: Times may be subject to change.

Visit the Franklin Downtown Partnership website for news and schedule updates.

https://franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Where Culture Takes Root | Drop In Community Art at the Franklin Cultural Hub during the Strawberry Stroll

Where Culture Takes Root | Drop In
Community Art at the Franklin Cultural Hub

Join us in the heart of downtown Franklin for one of the community’s most beloved events — the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Strawberry Stroll! On June 13th, 4-8pm, Main Street will be buzzing [and expanded up to Dean College to help connect with the Franklin Farmers' Market] with live music, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and of course, fresh strawberry shortcake served up with hometown pride.

Join the Franklin Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural District Committee and the Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy at the ‘Franklin Cultural Hub’ — your pop-up creative space at this year’s Strawberry Stroll (set up near the Franklin Public Library)—for a hands-on community art activity celebrating Franklin’s unique history and artistic spirit!

Led by Jessica, our Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy intern, visitors of all ages are invited to paint one of over 50 adorable ladybug garden stepping stones. After the event, Jess will varnish the stones and we’ll install them at the Sculpture Park alongside the beloved Fairy Houses, creating a whimsical, walkable trail of community-made art.

Just like strawberries, ladybugs are a symbol of summer, growth, and community—making them a perfect fit for the Stroll! Stop by, get creative, and leave your mark on Franklin’s landscape!

"A strawberry, like a creative spark, begins as a tiny seed—full of potential but needing the right conditions to take root. Organizers act as gardeners in this process, offering vital early support—through funding, visibility, and encouragement—that allows artists, educators, and cultural initiatives to grow.

With thoughtful investment and a nurturing environment, a single creative idea can blossom—branching out like strawberry runners to reach classrooms, libraries, town greens, galleries, and small businesses. These efforts don’t happen in isolation; they build meaningful connections, strengthen local identity, and foster collaboration. It all begins in a place where culture takes root."

Strawberry Stroll is set for June 13; Will Expand up Main Street with More Activities

The 21st Annual Strawberry Stroll is set for Friday June 13th from 4 to 8 PM. Rain date is Saturday June 14 from 4 to 8 PM. This year’s stroll is expanding farther up Main Street from Dean Bank toward Dean College and Franklin Public Library.

This year, visitors will enjoy more interactive activities, more music, and more vendors. Stroll along Main Street by Dean College’s beautiful, historic campus. Just a few steps more and you will see the handsome Franklin Public Library across the street.

With the expanded format, it’s an easy and short stroll to Franklin Town Common where the Farmer’s Market will be happening. Food trucks will be there. The market operates on Fridays in the summer from 2 to 6 PM. 

Make sure you stroll downtown to the restaurants and shops on Main Street and the surrounding streets.

Street view of the crowd at the 2024 Strawberry Stroll

It’s all that you expect of the Strawberry Stroll and more. Food, music, 100+ vendors, community groups, activities and, of course, strawberries. Booths will be open from 4 to 8 PM with fun activities for children and giveaways.

“We expanded the stroll so people can experience more of Franklin. It’s got all the right things for summer fun: strawberry shortcake, more than 100 vendors, live music, and shops and eateries downtown,” said Lisa Piana, Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director. “The Strawberry Stroll is a wonderful start to summer.”

Here’s the rest of the agenda:

Signature strawberry shortcakes will be served by Dean Bank’s staff under tents in front of the bank. Fresh strawberries donated and cut by Dean College will top hundreds of shortcakes complete with whipped cream. Proceeds from strawberry shortcake sales go to the Downtown Partnership to help fund the event.

Children’s Museum of Franklin is planning a variety of interactive exhibits and mobile makerspace activities at the stroll. Co-owner Meg will be running a science experiment once each hour during the stroll. 

Dean College will have their famous Bull Dog inflatable and there will be plenty of mascots walking around to greet kids for photos.

Franklin Historical Museum will introduce the "Franklin Strawberry Patch” with a brief ribbon cutting and remarks at 4 PM. The Strawberry Patch is a permanent perennial planting of strawberries in a raised bed, surrounded by decorations for the day. There will be popcorn and fun giveaways for kids. As always, the museum's fun and accessible exhibits are free.

Plus, the museum, in cooperation with their neighbor, Franklin United Methodist Church (FUMC), will highlight the church's Spring Fashion Fling, with a "fashion show" of recycled and upcycled clothing. The FUMC operates Community Closet — an ambitious clothing reuse program to benefit anyone in need or anyone who just likes a bargain. Enjoy their fashion show and shopping at the church during the Stroll. 

Franklin Public Library is excited to offer several fun activities for children.

Touch-A-Truck will be at the Franklin Fire Station on West Central Street with fire safety handouts. Sparky the fire dog will make the rounds with families.

Music will be provided by local musicians Dom DeBaggis 4 PM to 5:45 PM and Heath Nisbett, 6 PM to 8 PM on Dean Avenue. At the other end of Main Street, near Dean College, The Padula Band will perform 4 PM to 5:45 PM; and State Representative Jeff Roy will play his acoustic guitar from 6 PM to 7:45 PM. 

Feet in Motion School of Dance will perform at 5 PM and 6 PM 

Radio Station MyFM 101.3 will broadcast live from 4 PM to 8 PM 

“Year after year this event attracts more visitors and vendors. It's always an exciting day to see so many people enjoying themselves and some strawberry shortcake,” said Roberta Trahan, Vice President of the Franklin Downtown Partnership.  “What better way to kick off the summer than joining others and listening to live music on Main Street.”

Strawberry Stroll organizer Franklin Downtown Partnership is grateful for the support from their sponsors:

• Platinum: Dean College; G & C Plumbing & Heating
• Gold: Dean Bank; Glen Meadow Apartments- Schochet Companies; Middlesex Savings Bank
• Silver: Camford Property Group, Inc.; Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc.; Elizabeth's Bagels; Fenton Financial Group; Notturno Home Services; Revise Inc.; The Enclave of Franklin.
• Bronze: All Energy Solar; Chestnut Dental; Connell Roofing, Inc.; LeafFilter Gutter Protection; Mint Dental; PEEL microspa; Simon's Furniture

Follow the Franklin Downtown Partnership and keep up with their many activities on:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents are welcome to join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Volunteers stil looked for to help with Beautification Day, May 17

The Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club are gearing up for Beautification Day on Saturday, May 17. Volunteers are needed to prepare downtown Franklin for the spring season. Roll up your sleeves and dig in. Many hands are needed to help plant a variety of flowers on the bridges, barrels and boxes in front of the businesses.

Volunteers with trucks, please meet at 7:30 AM at Fairmount Fruit Farm at 887 Lincoln Street to pick up trays of flowers and deliver downtown. If you don’t have a truck, arrive by 8:00 AM at the public parking lot near the bridge in front of The Rome restaurant. Bring work gloves, rakes and garden tools, if you can.

Volunteers stil looked for to help
with Beautification Day, May 17

The committee also needs volunteers to water the plants for the season. There are 18 weeks of watering needed throughout the summer months. Pick the weeks that work for you. To volunteer to plant on May 17th , contact Eileen Mason at eileenmason@remax.net  To volunteer to water this summer, email Sandy Sauer at sandy@franklintilecarpetone.com, or call her at 508-733-8929.

"Our goal is to give people something to smile about as they drive through our historic downtown and maybe just make their day a little better," said Eileen Mason, Beautification Day Chairperson. Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director, Lisa Piana, appreciates the many people who come together to make this a success. “The Partnership is very grateful to Eileen Mason, Sandy Sauer, the Franklin Garden Club, the DPW and the many members of our community who volunteer to make our center beautiful for the spring and summer."

Sponsors:

D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C., Eileen Mason, RE/MAX Executive Realty, G&C Plumbing & Heating, Glen Meadow Apartments-Schochet Companies, Middlesex Savings Bank

 

Dean Bank, Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Notturno Home Services, PEEL microspa

Downtown Beautification Day Set for May 17

The Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club are gearing up for Beautification Day on Saturday, May 17.  Volunteers are needed to prepare downtown Franklin for the spring season.

Roll up your sleeves and dig in. Many hands are needed to help plant a variety of flowers on the bridges, barrels and boxes in front of the businesses.

Volunteers with trucks, please meet at 7:30 AM at Fairmount Fruit Farm at 887 Lincoln Street to pick up trays of flowers and deliver downtown. If you don’t have a truck, arrive by 8:00 AM at the public parking lot near the bridge in front of The Rome restaurant. Bring work gloves, rakes and garden tools, if you can.

Students: if you have community service hours to satisfy, this is the perfect opportunity to earn your hours. You will get a note documenting your service.

Franklin DPW helps by supplying water, hoses and mulch. They will also clean up litter and debris in certain areas. 

Volunteers Wanted for May 20 Downtown Beautification Day (photo from 2018)

The committee also needs volunteers to water the plants for the season. There are 18 weeks of watering needed throughout the summer months. Pick the weeks that work for you.

To volunteer to plant on May 17th, contact Eileen Mason at eileenmason@remax.net   To volunteer to water this summer, email Sandy Sauer at sandy@franklintilecarpetone.com, or call her at 508-733-8929.

"Our goal is to give people something to smile about as they drive through our historic downtown and maybe just make their day a little better," said Eileen Mason, Beautification Day Chairperson. 

Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director, Lisa Piana, appreciates the many people who come together to make this a success. “The Partnership is very grateful to Eileen Mason, Sandy Sauer, the Franklin Garden Club, the DPW and the many members of our community who volunteer to make our center beautiful for the spring and summer,” she said.

Franklin Downtown Partnership is also very grateful to the following sponsors who make Beautification Day possible. 

• Platinum: D.G. Ranieri Real Estate; Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C.; Eileen Mason-RE/MAX Executive Realty; G & C Plumbing & Heating; Glen; Meadow Apartments-Schochet Companies; Middlesex Savings Bank
• Gold: Dean Bank; Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc.; Notturno Home Services; PEEL microspa
• Silver: Elizabeth's Bagels; Fenton Financial Group; Simon's Furniture; Vet Med Pet Supplies

Stay up to date on the Downtown Partnership’s Beautification Day and community other events here:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501c3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Festival, the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Surprises and activities to be found at Franklin’s Ladybug Trail Spring Walk - April 26

Ladybug Trail Spring Walk

Lots of surprises will be popping up at the Ladybug Trail Spring Walk on April 26. As the Town of Franklin gets ready to welcome Spring with the 3rd annual spring walk, shops will be there to welcome you and offer fun activities. The rain date is April 27.

Look for events and activities at public places like Dean College, the Franklin Library, and the Historical Museum. At least 15 retailers will welcome visitors with treats, discounts, and promotions.

The goal is to search for where ladybug sculptures are in the downtown area. Along the way, walkers will enjoy ladybug-themed cupcakes, food samples, discounts on products and services, meal deals and photo opportunities.

Get your map at the Historical Museum, the library, and participating businesses. The trail map shows walkers where the ladybug sculptures are located.

People can walk the trail any time of the day or evening. You can start as early at 9 AM at the Historical Museum, where you can get the trail map, learn about the ladybug cultural trail, the story behind the ladybug and its connection with Franklin.

Go shopping or take a break for coffee, gelato, lunch or dinner as you walk along the trail.

Trail visitors will also love the colorful art gallery in the open space next to Birchwood Bakery. This formerly uninviting alleyway has become a canvas for many local artists who painted colorful murals.

The Ladybug Cultural & Historical Trail is located in downtown Franklin in the heart of Franklin’s Cultural District. Walkers search for 2-foot-wide fiberglass ladybug sculptures tucked among buildings, businesses and residences, tying together approximately 25 historical and cultural sites.

 

Visitors should note that the ladybug that is usually found at 157 Cottage Street will not be at this location until May when the new Children’s Museum of Franklin opens their doors.

The trail is open year-round. Walk it at your leisure any time of the week.

“The Ladybug Trail Spring Walk is the perfect time to celebrate spring and see all that downtown Franklin has to offer,” said Lisa Piana, Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Executive Director. “There are many new shops in addition to the established shops. There’s a lot of culture and history too. It’s a great way to learn about our community.”

The Downtown Partnership would like to thank Middlesex Savings Bank and Eileen Mason at RE/MAX Executive Realty, who sponsored the trail map for the Ladybug Trail Spring Walk.

For more information about the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, follow the Downtown Partnership at:
https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  
https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501c3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Festival, the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Save the Date! Annual Spring Ladybug Trail Walk - April 26, 2025

via the Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP)

SAVE THE DATE! 

This year's Ladybug Trail Walk will be Saturday, April 26 (rain date April 27)

Spring Ladybug Trail Walk

We are hoping to have this year's Ladybug Trail Spring Walk be even bigger and better than last year's.  

We invite FDP business members to participate by offering a fun ladybug themed item or promotion to encourage residents to visit your business.

Please send us your ideas by February 27 if you would like to participate so we can get you listed in the promotional materials.

Send to Downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com

TIME TO THINK SPRING!!!!!!

Re-discover Franklin on Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Website

The Franklin Downtown Partnership invites you to visit their website. The FDP’s website recently had a facelift making it easier to navigate and re-discover all that Franklin has to offer.

Look for us at franklindowntownpartnership.org. It’s a great way to see what’s new and happening in downtown and throughout the town. 

FDP’s new website

You will find dates for upcoming events such as the Ladybug Trail Spring Walk in April, the June Strawberry Stroll, and September’s Harvest Festival. Go to the “Visit Franklin” page to shop for all your needs by category – such as business services, medical professionals, pet services, shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and more.

The Partnership works with many community groups and businesses always with the goal to strengthen our connections and keep business strong and thriving. We all benefit from these partnerships making Franklin a great place to live, work, and visit. 

Stay up to date info and follow the Downtown Partnership on Instagram and Facebook at:  https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

Just in time for Small Business Saturday, the Holiday Guide spotlights all things Franklin making it easy to “keep it local” for shopping this winter season.

Find the full guide online -> https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Franklin-Holiday-Happenings---Gift-Guide-2024.html?soid=1120641810412&aid=-tD8KZw1HyI

Or download a PDF version here ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GUFd2T05Hsqb9wKckwE4ajO63AKVnCUw/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide Will Inspire Holiday Spirit and Gift Ideas

Franklin’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide will hit the streets on Saturday November 30th – just in time for Small Business Saturday. The Holiday Guide spotlights all things Franklin making it easy to “keep it local” for shopping this winter season.

Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) business members spotlight their special sales, promotions, activities, and events for the season in the Holiday Guide on the Partnership’s website. Make sure you check it out for shopping, food, services, and entertainment.

View the Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide at the Partnership’s newly designed website at franklindowntownpartnership.org for the current list of Franklin’s small businesses and all they are offering.

The Holiday Guide includes great gift ideas and special treats for shopping for the upcoming season. The guide also lists special holiday events and activities in town. It gives shoppers the inspiration they need for food, clothing, and gifts for yourself and others as we prepare for any special occasion or holiday celebration. Remember to shop local!

Stay up to date info and follow the FDP on Instagram at: 

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Have you planned a wreath to tell your "Story of the Season" ??

tell your "Story of the Season"

Local artists, schools, and community members are invited to decorate wreaths in their interpretation of our inaugural theme, "Stories of the Season". Our cultural volunteers will pair community wreaths to be displayed at local businesses throughout the downtown area (December through January).

Deadline for community wreath sign up is November 22nd. Click here ->   https://www.franklinculture.org/wreath-franklin

---------------------

Sip Shop Stroll & Roll on December 7th in Downtown Franklin, 12-7pm. Snow Date December 14th.

The "Sip, Shop, Stroll, and Roll" event is the exciting celebration of the 'A-Wreath-of-Franklin' community wreath program, designed to bring people downtown to enjoy the festive atmosphere and vote for their favorite community-made wreaths.

This festive day invites the Franklin community to experience the creativity of Franklin with live music, specialty cocktails, raffle prizes, and the chance to shop pop-up artisan goods in local storefronts.

It's a day that combines holiday spirit with community pride, offering something for everyone to enjoy in the heart of downtown Franklin!

Getting Festive in Downtown Franklin - Saturday, Nov 23 at 8:30 AM

The Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Franklin Garden Club are joining forces to decorate the downtown for the holidays on Saturday, November 23 from 8:30 AM to 11 AM. The FHS Boys and Girls Hockey teams will be on hand to help install wreaths, bows and greenery. 

The effort is organized by Eileen Mason, Franklin Garden Club member and FDP member. Please email Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com to let her know you can help.

Students: if you have community service hours to satisfy, this is the perfect opportunity to earn your hours. You will get a note documenting your service.

Thank you to the Franklin DPW for their help in cleaning out the containers on the bridges and providing new potting soil.

“We’re a group of volunteers dedicated to making the downtown area festive during the holiday season,” Mason said. “The decorations make Franklin even more inviting to residents and visitors, and help draw people downtown to enjoy our local shops and restaurants.”

Stay up to date and follow the Franklin Downtown Partnership on Instagram and Facebook at:

• https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  
• https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Getting Festive in Downtown Franklin - Saturday, Nov 23 at 8:30 AM

The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as spring beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Celebrate Autumn at Harvest Festival this Saturday, Sep 28, 2024

The countdown is on! Come to the 21st Annual Harvest Festival this Saturday, Sept. 28, noon to 5 PM. Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 29, noon to 4 PM on Main Street and the downtown area. 

More than 150 vendors will show all that Franklin offers. Enjoy live music, great food, kids’ activities, local artists, community groups. 

Harvest Festival this Saturday, Sep 28, 2024

Food: Italian sausage, pizza, hot dogs, barbecue chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, pastries, fried dough, ice cream, gelato. Teddy Gallagher’s Pub will be working their grill. Apple cider, cider donuts, and popcorn from Dean Bank. Proceeds of Dean Bank sales will go to the Harvest Festival. 

Entertainment: Here’s the schedule at the Performance Tent located between the Post Office and Dean Bank.

• Dom DeBaggis 12 PM to 1:20 PM
• Rep. Jeff Roy 1:35 PM to 2:55 PM
• FSPA Entertainment 3:10 PM to 3:30 PM
• Heath Nisbett 3:40 PM to 5:00 PM

Activities: Franklin Historical Museum will celebrate the long-running St. Rocco’s Festival. The museum will share images and memories of the Festival and celebrate Franklin’s Italian roots. The Rome restaurant will sell pizza slices in front of the museum on Route 140.

Franklin Fire Department will have its touch-a-truck. Fire trucks will be out front at the Route 140 fire station while Sparky hands out plastic fire helmets to children. 

Follow the Downtown Partnership at:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/   and

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Celebrate the Season and Great Food at Franklin’s Harvest Festival on Sep 28

The 21st Annual Harvest Festival is set for Saturday, September 28, from 12 noon to 5 PM. The rain date is Sunday, September 29, from 12 noon to 4 PM. It will take place on Main Street and the surrounding area in downtown Franklin.

Harvest Festival on Sep 28

More than 150 vendors will display their specialties. Come and enjoy live music, food, kids’ activities, artwork and crafts. It’s a great time to meet local shop owners and check out all that Franklin offers.

Many delicious choices from local restaurants at the food court: Italian sausage, pizza, hot dogs, barbecue chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, pastries, fried dough, ice cream, gelato and more. Teddy Gallagher’s Pub will be working their grill. Dean Bank will be selling apple cider, cider donuts, and popcorn in front of the bank. Proceeds of their sales will go to the Harvest Festival. 

Here’s the entertainment schedule at The Performance Tent.

• Dom DeBaggis 12 pm to 1:20 pm
• Rep. Jeff Roy 1:35 pm to 2:55 pm
• FSPA Entertainment 3:10 pm to 3:30 pm
• Heath Nisbett 3:40 pm to 5:00 pm

The Performance Tent is located between the Post Office and Dean Bank. 

The Franklin Fire Department will have its popular touch-a-truck attraction. Fire trucks will be out front at its Route 140 station and Sparky will give out plastic fire helmets to children. 

The Franklin Historical Museum will celebrate the long-running St. Rocco’s Festival. The museum will share images, news clips, and memories of the St. Rocco’s Festival and celebrate Franklin’s Italian roots as well. The Rome restaurant will sell pizza slices in front of the museum.

“Downtown Franklin is a busy social center for shopping, dining and entertainment. The Harvest Festival is the perfect time to get acquainted with local business owners and community groups,” said Scott Martin, President of the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Harvest Festival Chair. “We welcome friends from our town and beyond.”

The Partnership invites business owners to sponsor the Harvest Festival. Email the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. 

Thank you to this year’s generous festival sponsors: 

• Platinum sponsors – Coastal Glow Skin Care, Dean Bank. Gold sponsors – Dean College; Floor & Décor; Middlesex Savings Bank. 
• Silver sponsors – Camford Property Group, Inc.; The Enclave of Franklin; Glen Meadow Apartments; Hockomock YMCA; Notturno Home Services; Rockland Trust. 
• Bronze sponsors – Beaux Regards Photographic Art; Chestnut Dental; DCU; D.G. Ranieri Real Estate; Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc.; Fenton Financial Group; Keefe Insurance; LeafFilter Gutter Protection; MyFM; Nerds To Go; Simons Furniture; and Turtle 2 Properties, LLC.

For more festival or sponsorship info, visit the FDP website at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Follow the Downtown Partnership at:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/   and

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization made up of more than 300 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, green space, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Harvest Festival help needed -can you volunteer an hour or 2 ???

via the Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP):

"Attention Franklin residents!!!  

You know the old saying…it takes a village!  

The Harvest Festival is a beloved family event that the downtown partnership has hosted for 21 years!!! But we CANNOT do it alone.  

Our entire committee is made up of volunteers giving their time to make sure the event can go off successfully and safely. If you have 1-2 hours to give on Sept 28th please email us at fdpevent@gmail.com.  

Your spared hour goes a LONG way for us!  

Help us keep this event going!" #volunteer #communityservice #franklinma

PS - in the FDP general meeting last week, they also indicated they would like to expand the Strawberry Stroll (and Harvest Festival) by continuing up Main St past Eamons to the Library. That cannot be done without additional volunteers.

Harvest Festival help needed -can you volunteer an hour or 2 ???

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/TWawF8WKNvJEYMg2/

Economic Development Subcommittee holds listening session (audio)

FM #1262 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1262 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 in the Council Chambers. 

All four members of the subcommittee were present in Chambers (Hamblen, Chandler, Sheridan & Frongillo).

Listening Session with Economic Development Partners

a. 5:05 PM: 495 MetroWest Partnership

b. 5:20 PM: MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

c. 5:35 PM: Tri Valley Chamber of Commerce

d. 5:50 PM: Franklin Downtown Partnership

The recording of the meeting runs about 95 minutes.   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1262-town-of-franklin-edc-mtg-08-14-24/

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Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-08-14_edc_agenda_1.pdf  

Franklin TV recording -> https://www.youtube.com/live/5sWJsjS7o44?si=1n0VZ3CxD4mqT98M&t=130 

Slides from 495 MetroWest Partnership -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/YJMqhE8A7YvxJiCQA 

Slides from MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/3MdnTwrkz5Tqo9Zb9  

My notes captured via Twitter/X during the meeting ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zeYxvDrjguIbC_tq-9McqDlMCB0DPTkM/view?usp=drive_link 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

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Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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 495 MetroWest Partnership

MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau