Get your Strawberry shortcake and enjoy your Stroll on Main St this Friday, June 10

The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) is thrilled to be able to bring back its annual Strawberry Stroll this year, after a two-year break due to the pandemic. Enjoy a taste of summer with mouth-watering strawberry shortcakes while enjoying entertainment, fun activities, and more than 90 vendor booths at the annual Strawberry Stroll in downtown Franklin on Friday, June 10 from 4 PM to 8 PM.  The rain date is Saturday, June 11 from 4 PM to 8 PM.

"We are excited to hold the first Strawberry Stroll since June of 2019, said Kevin Johnson of Edward Jones and this year’s Strawberry Stroll chair. “This is our opportunity to invite everyone to come together downtown and experience the local businesses. The mix of entertainers, vendors, and activities will make it a special evening for all ages."

Dean Bank’s staff will be serving the signature strawberry shortcakes under the tents in front of the bank. Strawberries donated and cut by Dean College will be piled on top of hundreds of shortcakes and topped with whipped cream. Proceeds from the sale of strawberry shortcakes are allocated to the FDP to help fund the event.

Plenty of entertainment will be available during the Strawberry Stroll. Dean Bank will host Dancing on Dean that will feature the band Scott Brown and the Diplomats from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Dean Avenue and Main Street. MyFM 101.3 will be broadcasting live from the top of Main Street. On the Birchwood Bakery patio, Dom DeBaggis will perform from 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m., Heath Nesbitt will perform.

A variety of activities will be offered that will appeal to young and old. The weekly Farmers’ Market which starts at 2 p.m. will continue until 6 p.m. on the common. Additionally, during the Stroll at 6 p.m., the FDP will unveil the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail which uses ladybug sculptures to tie approximately 25 historical and cultural sites together in downtown Franklin. Visitors can receive their Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail maps at the FDP booth or by visiting the Franklin Historical Museum.

Strawberry Stroll on Main St, Franklin June 10

The Franklin Art Association (FAA) is having an exhibit during the Strawberry Stroll on June 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Rockland Trust Annex. The show is open to all members of the FAA and is being judged with ribbons awarded for first, second, third place and honorable mention recognition in four categories.

There will also be small works for sale in the show. The FAA will also have a booth on Main Street in front of the Rockland Trust Annex and it will feature a fundraising raffle of donated art and photography to raise funds for the support of FAA ongoing expenses. The tent and display panels and booth supplies were purchased with a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council and Franklin Cultural District. 

“FDP’s Strawberry Stroll celebrates all that is downtown Franklin, showcasing businesses, restaurants, organizations, institutions, town government, and culture and the arts. Join the fun and ‘Stroll’ Main Street Franklin on June 10,” said Pandora Carlucci of PGC Associates LLC. Carlucci and Roberta Trahan are vendor relations coordinators for this year’s Strawberry Stroll.

The Strawberry Stroll Committee encourages people in attendance to visit the downtown businesses and restaurants, especially the six new shops: Birchwood Bakery and Kitchen, Briller Boutique, Escape Into Fiction, Greco Design Co., I Have Coins and Collectibles, and Zuzu’s Petals & Cafe.

The Strawberry Stroll is made possible by the support of local sponsors. The event’s Platinum Sponsors are Dean Bank and PhysicianOne Urgent Care. Gold sponsors are Dean College, Middlesex Savings Bank, and Mosquito Mary’s. Silver sponsors are Camford Property Group, Inc., and Fenton Financial Group. Bronze sponsors are Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Grove Street Auto Repair, Keefe Insurance, Mint Dental of Franklin and LeafFilter.

Entertainment is supported in part by grants from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

For more information about the Strawberry Stroll, please email fdpevent@gmail.com.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of more than 350 residents, business owners and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail, beautification, streetscape design, greenspace and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Strawberry Stroll, Ladybug Trail, ARTWALK and Second Sunday Speaker Series all in one weekend at the Historical Museum!

The Franklin Historical Museum plans a busy June weekend beginning with a special Friday night opening June 10. In conjunction with the Franklin Downtown Partnership the museum will be open from 4 PM - 8 PM during the annual Strawberry Stroll celebration. The much anticipate Ladybug Cultural & Historical Trail will be dedicated that evening, on Main Street, as well.  

Stop by the museum to visit two points of interest on the trail, the Delegates Ladybug, which tells the story of the Ladybug becoming our ‘state insect’. And the Straw Hat Sculpture, sitting happily on the museum’s front lawn, which is a nod to the once thriving straw industry in our town. Learn a bit about the 2nd grade Kennedy School class that went to the State House and learned about the legislative process of making a new state law.

Saturday morning, June 11 the LiveARTS string quartet performs at 10:30 AM as part of the Franklin ArtWALK Celebration sponsored by the Franklin Cultural District. Events around town during this 3-day celebration include live performances, art exhibits, family activities, a kick off reception and more. The Franklin Historical Museum is proud to once again host one of the many live performances for this event. For more information on the ArtWALK schedule visit www.franklinculture.org. 

Rounding off this busy weekend is our Second Sunday Speaker Series with a presentation on the 150 year history of the Franklin Fire Department as they commemorate their founding in 1872. Fire photographs from the Stanley Chilson collection will be on display, and a presentation of interesting facts and figures recounting the early years from hand drawn pumper wagons, to horse drawn pumper wagons to today’s finest and fastest rescue apparatus. Do you know when our first fire station was built? Do you know which prominent Franklin citizen of his day funded the building that served our town for so many years? Do you remember the fire whistle signals? Join us and take a look back at the changes the years have brought to the Franklin Fire Department.  Doors open at 1:00pm and the presentation will start at 1:15. 

Admission is always free and we are ADA accessible. 

Be sure to visit our gift shop which is run by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. 

Strawberry Stroll, Ladybug Trail, ARTWALK and Second Sunday Speaker Series

Strawberry Stroll is scheduled for downtown Franklin Friday, June 10 - from 4 - 8 PM

Download a copy of the flyer here as a reminder:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1joHCZMG76rxDeNTxJy83IPA2yYSTWYPY/view?usp=sharing

Strawberry Stroll is scheduled for downtown Franklin Friday, June 10 - from 4 - 8 PM

You can still help with the Beautification Day scheduled for May 21

Volunteers are needed for the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club's annual Beautification Day in downtown Franklin and the Town Common on the morning of Saturday, May 21.

Dozens of volunteers are needed to help plant red, white and blue flowers on the downtown bridges and in barrels in front of businesses. Volunteers with trucks are also needed to help pick up trays of flowers at Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St., Franklin. Community service hours are available to students needing volunteer opportunities.

If you can volunteer, please email Beautification Chair Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com.

We appreciate the support of these sponsors who make the beautification efforts in the downtown Franklin possible:

• Platinum sponsors are: Camford Property Group; Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond and Weil, P.C.; Law Offices of Roche & Roche, P.C.; PhysicianOne Urgent Care; Eileen Mason of RE/MAX Executive Realty; Middlesex Savings; and RI Motorsports and Detail LLC.
• Gold sponsors are: Dean Bank; D.G. Ranieri Real Estate; Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios; and Goldfish Swim School. 
• Silver sponsors
  
  are: Fenton Financial Group; Keefe Insurance Agency; and Vet Med Pet Supplies. 
• The Bronze sponsor is Safford Insurance.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of 350 residents, business owners and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. 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.

Save the Date for June 10 - the Strawberry Stroll returns!

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is currently organizing its annual Strawberry Stroll, set for Friday, June 10, from 4 PM to 8 PM in downtown Franklin. The rain date will be Saturday, June 11 from 4 PM to 8 PM. 

During the Stroll, the Partnership will unveil the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail. The Trail uses ladybug sculptures to tie approximately 25 historical and cultural sites together in downtown Franklin.

Also during the Strawberry Stroll, Dean Bank will host “Dancing on Dean” which will feature two local bands on a bandstand at the intersection of Main Street and Dean Avenue. Delicious strawberry shortcakes provided by Dean Bank and Dean College will be sold in front of Dean Bank.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Strawberry Stroll back after a two-year absence because of the pandemic,” said Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana. “We are looking forward to kicking off the summer season with this fun event.”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For information about sponsorships, contact the Partnership office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

 

Volunteers needed for Beautification Day - May 21

Volunteers are needed for the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club's annual Beautification Day in downtown Franklin and the Town Common on the morning of Saturday, May 21.

Dozens of volunteers are needed to help plant red, white and blue flowers on the downtown bridges and in barrels in front of businesses. Volunteers with trucks are also needed to help pick up trays of flowers at Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St., Franklin. Community service hours are available to students needing volunteer opportunities.

If you can volunteer, please email Beautification Chair Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com.

We appreciate the support of these sponsors who make the beautification efforts in the downtown Franklin possible. Platinum sponsors are Chaffee Property Group, Inc., Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C., RI Motorsports and Detail, and Eileen Mason of ReMax Real Estate. Gold sponsors are D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Dean Bank, and Encore Music Academy And Recording Studios. The silver sponsor is Safford Insurance.

Shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2022/04/beautification-day-may-21.html

Volunteers needed for Beautification Day - May 21

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Beautification Sponsors Needed

Downtown Springing to Life

BEAUTIFICATION SPONSORS NEEDED The Partnership's Beautification Committee and the Franklin Garden Club will be planting hundreds of flowers in downtown center in May.   We are in need of sponsors to help fund this initiative to make the center even more attractive and draw customers to downtown businesses. Here is a rundown of sponsorship opportunities: Platinum Sponsor (Industry Exclusive) $800 Gold Sponsor $500 Silver Sponsor $300 Bronze Sponsor $250  As a sponsor, your business will be listed on the signs in downtown center for a year! Your company name will be listed in our press releases, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and on our website. View this year's sponsorship opportunities and the benefits of membership. Please email the FDP office to let us know you are interested in being a sponsor! Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org ‌ ‌ ‌

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Franklin Downtown Partnership: Important Town Meeting on Parking

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 (774) 571-3109 • downtown.franklin@yahoo.com  Visit our Website Important Town Meeting on Parking Downtown parking will be on the Economic Development meeting agenda Wednesday at 5:45 PM. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions on downtown parking, you should attend this meeting. Economic Development Subcommittee - April 13, 2022 The Economic Development Subcommittee will meet on April 13, 2022 at 5:45 PM Please find the agenda and links for the upcoming meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-04-13_edc_agenda_packet.pdf Franklin Downtown Partnership | 774-571-3109 downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | www.franklindowntownpartnership.org IMPORTANT LINKS 2019 FDP Calendar Member Discounts Sponsorship Opportunities Sponsorship Form Membership Application

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Franklin Downtown Partnership - GENERAL MEETING - APRIL 7, 2022

 

Franklin Downtown Partnership  GENERAL MEETING APRIL 7, 2022 AT 8:30 AM

Please join us via Zoom for the next general meeting of the FDP this Thursday. For additional details and remote connection info, please visit the Downtown Partnership page -> https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2022/04/april-general-meeting.html Franklin Downtown Partnership - GENERAL MEETING - APRIL 7, 2022

Franklin Local Pages: "Franklin Downtown Has a Business Growth Spurt"

As published in Franklin Local Pages  By J.D. O’Gara

Lisa Piana, Director of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, says she is “thrilled” at what she is calling a “business boon” in the heart of Franklin. In fact, six new businesses call downtown Franklin home, and with a new Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail, and new alleyway murals, there is a lot to discover in downtown Franklin!

Established to foster greater vitality in the downtown commercial district, the Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) has been planning for this moment of tremendous growth in the downtown for the 20 years it has been in existence, says Piana. “Over these many years, the FDP has been diligently putting in the infrastructure, working with town officials, improving the streetscape, meeting with builders, and hosting downtown events,” she writes.

Lily Riviera, Marketing and Communications Specialist for the Town of Franklin, also attributes the growth to a few initiatives the town of Franklin took to make the community welcoming to business. Some of the new businesses, in fact were part of the Pop-Up Shop grant initiative.

“I think it was a good way for people to get integrated into the community,” says Rivera. 

Rivera notes that her predecessor, in fact, created a business guide to help opening businesses in Franklin get to know not only the community, but the various steps they must take to establish their business of preference in the town. 

“Obviously, opening a business, there are a lot of different steps,” says Rivera. “Anne Marie (Tracy) broke down zoning and more, in a simplified way, guiding them through a very layered process. That’s something that’s been a resource.”

Rivera also points out that, following a market study the town did with the MAPC, Franklin conducted Business Listening Sessions during the pandemic, to determine how best to help local business thrive. That helped steer the Pop-Up Shop grant initiative, and now the town is working on a Franklin for All study with the MAPC, to more clearly establish a vision for the downtown center and adjust zoning toward this effort. This work helps in the long run, she says. The public is invited to take part in a forum to be conducted in Town Council chambers at 7 p.m. on March 7th. 

“These are good tools for businesses to use,” says Rivera. “As a business owner, you need to look at ... how unique your business proposal is in the town you’re going to operate in. If you’re a coffee shop in a town with a lot of coffee shops, it’s going to be harder for you.”

The new businesses located in the Franklin downtown area include: 

• Birchwood Bakery and Kitchen, 17 E. Central St., Franklin, offers breads, salads, baked goods, sandwiches, yogurt parfaits and more.

• Briller Boutique, 70 E. Central St., Franklin, will be opening soon and will sell women’s clothing and accessories. 

• Escape Into Fiction, 12 Main St., Franklin, sells a variety of fictional books.

• Greco Design Co., 2A Main St., Franklin, offers unique home decor items and handmade gifts.

• I Have Coins and Collectibles, 15 Main St., Franklin, carries coins, Pokémon cards, comic books, Star Wars and other collectibles, as well as offers free appraisals. 

• Zuzu’s Petals & Cafe, 19 Dean Ave., Franklin, is a full-service florist and offers a variety of gift items.

“We really encourage residents to stroll the downtown and appreciate all it has to offer,” said Lisa Piana, executive director of the FDP. “Small businesses add so much to our community. We encourage residents to support Franklin businesses and shop local whenever possible.”

Escape Into Fiction originally occupied a storefront on the edge of the downtown through the town’s pop-up shop grant initiative last year. “The first time I drove down Main Street and saw the unoccupied storefront at 12 Main Street, I knew that I needed to have it,” April Rock, owner of Escape into Fiction. “We really wanted to be in the downtown so we can be part of the entire community, not just on the outskirts.”

Rock worked with town officials, business owners and the FDP to secure her new space. “The networking with the FDP helped us continue to stir interest and get people excited about establishing a bookstore in downtown Franklin.”

Roberta Trahan, vice president of the FDP and lifelong Franklin resident is delighted to see the growth in downtown Franklin. 

“The FDP Mission has always been to develop and support an attractive and vibrant downtown,” Trahan said. “The addition of these new businesses, coupled with the support of the many businesses that have been downtown for some time, will continue to work towards this goal. We are so excited for this continued growth!”

 

Franklin Local Pages: "Franklin Downtown Has a Business Growth Spurt"

Franklin Downtown Partnership Announces 2022 Events and Meeting Dates

The dates for Franklin Downtown Partnership events and meetings during 2022 have been set.

• The Strawberry Stroll is back for the first time in two years since the pandemic. It is scheduled for Fri., June 10, with a rain date of Sat., June 11. 
• During this year’s Strawberry Stroll, the Franklin Downtown Partnership will also be unveiling the Ladybug Cultural & Historical Trail.
• The Harvest Festival is set for Sat., Oct. 1, with a rain date of Sun., Oct. 2.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring back both our signature events this year,” said Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana. “It takes many volunteers and business sponsors to pull these events together and we’re grateful for their assistance.”

General meetings of the Partnership are scheduled  on April 7, June 2, Sept. 8 and Nov. 3. Meetings begin at 8:30 a.m., last one hour, and are held on Zoom.

Downtown Partnership

The Partnership works with the Franklin Garden Club to deck out the downtown with seasonal decorations. The 2022 Spring/Summer Beautification Day is scheduled for  Sat., May 21. The Autumn/Winter Beautification Day is Sat., Nov. 19. Groups are encouraged to volunteer and high school community service hours are available.

Sponsors are needed for the Partnership’s 2022 events. Please contact the Partnership office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com if you’re interested in sponsorship.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership invites all Franklin businesses and residents to join the Partnership even if they are not located in the downtown area. Visit www.franklindowntownpartnership.org for more information.

The Partnership reminds residents to shop local to support our Franklin businesses. The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area.  

Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting - remote info for Feb 3 session

General Meeting on Feb. 3, 2022 The next general meeting of the Franklin Downtown Partnership will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 8:30 AM via Zoom. The agenda for the meeting will be included in the Partnership's February newsletter. Franklin Downtown Partnership is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join the Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89873926686 Meeting ID: 898 7392 6686 One tap mobile +13017158592,,89873926686# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location     +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 898 7392 6686 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kb0h2PVbAS Franklin Downtown Partnership

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