Showing posts with label St Rocco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St Rocco. Show all posts

Monday, August 26, 2024

Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for September 2024

Sept 8 -- Second Sunday Speaker Series: As American as The Blues
A large and important part of the American experience is captured in the origin story of Blues music in the African American community. And the music itself has become embedded in musical artforms nationally and globally. Dean College History Professor, Dr. Rob Lawson will share his insights on this topic on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St., Franklin. 

Dr. Rob Lawson
Dr. Rob Lawson
Doors open at 1 and the presentation begins at 1:15. Presentations typically include audience questions and run about an hour in length. Lawson is the author of Jim Crow's Counterculture: The Blues and Black Southerners, 1890-1945. The event is FREE, but donations always welcomed.

Sept 15 - - will inaugurate the first “Third Sunday” Music at the Museum program.

Commission member and multi-instrumentalist Randy LaRosa will provide an inaugural demonstration and performance of our newly repaired and tuned, 120-year-old, Franklin-made Trowbridge piano. Expect a lively and informative afternoon, spanning multiple genres.

Sept. 28 - - In Conjunction with Franklin Harvest Fest – We Recap and Remember the Popular, Local St Rocco’s Festival

Join us during the Franklin Harvest Festival on Sept. 28 (rain date Sept 29) from 1-5 for a Celebration of the Long-running Saint Rocco’s Festival with special guest, PBS Great American Recipe contestant and Franklin resident, Marcella ‘Marcie’ DiChiara.  In addition to Marcie we will be sharing images, news clips, and memories of the St. Rocco’s festival as well as celebrating Franklin’s Italian roots 

(Look for signs at the museum marking well-known family names where kinfolk are encouraged to reconnect.) And, of course, it wouldn’t be St. Rocco’s without food, so The Rome Restaurant will be selling pizza slices in front of the museum! The event is FREE, but donations always welcomed.

'CINEMA 80'
After a well-received experimental run from January to May at the Franklin Historical Museum, Cinema 80, captained by videographer and cinephile Chris Leverone, is coming back for another season of amazing free `Silent Saturday’ silent film entertainment on Saturdays at 6pm. The program is free but donations are encouraged.  
'CINEMA 80'
'CINEMA 80'


The lineup for September includes:
9/7, Modern Times (comedy) – created by and starring Charlie Chaplin
9/14, Shorts by the tremendously innovative film maker D.W. Griffith
9/21, Orochi – a 1925 Japanese film that tells the story of a troubled samurai.
9/28, Man with a Movie Camera – a 1929 mesmerizing showcase of communist life by the Ukrainian Photo Cinema Administration.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM - 1PM and Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM - 4:00PM. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry.    Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.   


Wednesday, November 14, 2018

“It was like a Franklin community homecoming, a class reunion of sorts”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The change of seasons brings about reflection, introspection and new vision and this was especially felt this fall by the multitude of volunteers who had brought the Feast of St. Rocco to life every August for the past 40 years. 
This past Aug. 12 marked the last day of the final Festival of Food so lovingly run by members of St. Mary Parish. To honor the hundreds of volunteers who made the feast a part of their summer, a Mass of thanksgiving and reception of gratitude was held recently to begin the transition from one tradition to the next. 
The Mass and reception brought 40 years of faith, family, community and tradition full circle. Fr. Michael Guarino, the brainchild of the event in 1979, was the principal celebrant of the Mass. 
His homily was built on the theme of the number 40 in the Bible. He pointed out that the Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years; Moses, Elijah and Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days; and the great flood lasted 40 days."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20181113/power-of-40-celebrating-people-of-st-rocco-and-looking-ahead

Photos from the St Rocco Festival in 2013

St_Rocco_Festival_2013

Saturday, September 8, 2018

St Rocco Volunteer Appreciation Celebration - Oct 6

For the last time ever, booths have been dismantled, grills have been stored and aprons have been folded following the 40th and final St. Rocco Festival of Food which closed on August 12, 2018. The event began in 1979 as the brainchild of Father Michael Guarino who sought to create a religious, social and cultural event in Franklin. In addition to the variety of entertainment over the years, what most people remember is the food – many booths featuring everything from fried clams, calzones and sausages to authentic Italian pastries and fried dough. And the memories created each year would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who were the heart and soul of the festival.

On October 6, St. Mary’s Parish will celebrate all who made St. Rocco possible during its 40-year run. Invitations have been sent electronically to individuals who have volunteered in any capacity over the years. Anyone who has volunteered at any time, whether staffing a booth for a few hours, helping with setup or showing up for cleanup, is invited to attend.

The event will begin with a Mass of thanksgiving at 4:00 at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin. Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Michael Guarino, founder of the St. Rocco Festival, and will feature special music by St. Mary’s choir. Following Mass there will be a reception at the Guidery Student Center at Dean College, open to all. As part of the celebration, there will be special recognition of those extraordinary people who have volunteered at every one of the 40 Feast of Rocco Festivals.

Festival memorabilia will be on display at the celebration to give guests a peek back through the window of time. On display will be old booth signage, a variety of aprons and photos of memories throughout the years. Family and friends are what the Feast of St. Rocco was built on and celebrating the people who helped make it happen is the purpose of this event.

To ensure plentiful food and ample seating, a head count is needed by Monday, September 24 at high noon! If you have helped at any St. Rocco Festival in the past 40 years and have not received an invitation by email, please contact the St. Mary’s Parish Rectory. And if you know of any volunteer who may not know about this event, please ask them to reach out as well. Contact Paula Coughlin by email at parishpublishing@stmarysfranklin.org or by phone at 508-528-0020.

St Rocco Volunteer Appreciation Celebration - Oct 6
St Rocco Volunteer Appreciation Celebration - Oct 6

Saturday, August 18, 2018

In the News: St Rocco's statue new home; PawSox move to Worcester

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The celebrated of St. Rocco may have seen its last big festival, but by this time next year it will have a new and far more visible home. 
The statue formerly sat in the old St. Mary’s convent grounds, an area that hasn’t seen much use other than for the annual Feast of St. Rocco festival. With the festival wrapping up last weekend after a 40-year run, church officials say they will move the statue to a new home in front of St. Mary’s, 1 Church Square. 
“What I thought it was important to do was to take the statue of St. Rocco from over there, and place it at our new entrance, which is for everyone,” said the Rev. Brian Manning, pastor at St. Mary Parish. “He’s the beacon of welcoming people, and healing and hope in our lives.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180817/permanent-home-for-st-rocco-statue-in-franklin





"The Pawtucket Red Sox and the city have signed an agreement that clears the way for the Triple A team to move here and play in a stadium that will be built on the former Wyman-Gordon property near Kelley Square. 
City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. emphasized Friday that the project involves more than just bringing a minor league baseball team to Worcester and building a ballpark for it. 
He said it includes a large-scale redevelopment of 18 acres of largely vacant and blighted property in the Kelley Square area that will add to the ongoing revitalization of the Canal District and transform that part of the city. 
In addition to construction of a 10,000-seat multi-use stadium, at an estimated cost of $86 million to $90 million, the deal includes a development blueprint that calls for $90 million in private development for 225 market-rate apartments, a 150-room hotel, a second boutique hotel consisting of about 100-110 rooms overlooking the ballpark, and 65,000 square feet of retail/restaurants."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180817/pawsox-to-move-to-worcester-plan-includes-shops-hotels-apartments


Thursday, August 16, 2018

Request for St Rocco memorabilia

The St Rocco 40th Celebration Committee is seeking memorabilia items from the past 40 years to be placed on display at the St Rocco 40th year celebration event being held on October 6th. 

Any and all Items (posters, signage, photos, t-shirts, banners, jewelry, and other decorations pertaining to the St Rocco Festival over the years) will be of interest.

Following this event all the items received will be donated to the Franklin Historical Museum to be archived and used as display items at the museum by the discretion of the Historical Museum staff with possible input by members of the St. Rocco celebration 40th anniversary committee members.

These donations may be dropped of the parish office at the St. Mary's Rectory to be given to Paula Coughlin with a deadline of September 9th.




Photos from the St Rocco Festival in 2013

St_Rocco_Festival_2013

Sunday, August 12, 2018

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 12, 2018 - Final Day, Final Feast

Food Booths, Rides and Music - Sunday, August 12 from 12:00 Noon - 8:00 PM

Unlimited Ride Specials:
Sunday from 12 noon to 4 PM - $25 per person with coupon, $30 without coupon  http://fiestashows.com/m/events/byid/277

Additional info can be found on the St Rocco page
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/feast-st-rocco

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 12, 2018
40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 12, 2018

In the News: St Rocco's ends; Pfeffer recognized

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Nobody knows better than Peter Brunelli why the Feast of St. Rocco ends tonight after a 40-year run. 
“People get older,” Brunelli said while seated Saturday under a tent to shield him from a steady drizzle. Brunelli, 78, is co-chairman of this year’s weekend festival, and he’s been to all 40 of them. He grew up in Franklin, still lives there, and said there just aren’t enough volunteers anymore to keep the event going. 
It all started in 1978, when the Rev. Brian Manning wanted a community celebration at St. Mary’s Parish modeled after a traditional Italian festival. Manning noticed a statue of St. Rocco on the parish grounds, and decided it would be the theme of the party. 
St. Rocco is the patron saint of healing, and the statue still stands on grounds across the street from the parish. Ribbons in the color of the Italian Flag hung on it Saturday, and dollar bills were pinned to the ribbons, a festival tradition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180812/40-year-tradition-ends-in-franklin


"Judith Pond Pfeffer comes from a long line of Franklinites who took on various roles in town, from the Town Hall to the fire station. It was these people who gave her an up-close look at the rewards of public service as she was growing up. 
Cut from the same cloth, Pfeffer has always followed their example. 
So it comes as no surprise that Pfeffer was recently recognized by the state Legislature and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) as an “Unsung Heroine.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180811/franklins-judith-pond-pfeffer-honored-as-unsung-heroine

Saturday, August 11, 2018

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 11, 2018

Anointing Mass Saturday, August 11 10:00 AM under the tent

Food Booths, Rides and Music Saturday, August 11 from 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Ride bracelets or wrist bands are available Saturday 12 - 4 PM Normally $30 or $25 if you show the coupon which you can download from here:
http://fiestashows.com/m/events/byid/277


Additional info can be found on the St Rocco page
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/feast-st-rocco

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 11, 2018
40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 11, 2018


Friday, August 10, 2018

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 10, 2018

Food Booths, Rides and Music Friday, August 10 from 5:00-10:00 PM


Additional info can be found on the St Rocco page
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/feast-st-rocco

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 10, 2018
40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 10, 2018

In the News: St Rocco's final time; MA worker fired for marijuana use

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"In the office tucked into a corner of the barn on the grounds of the old St. Mary’s School convent - headquarters for Franklin’s Feast of St. Rocco for the past 40 years - it seemed like nothing had changed. 
There was the usual coming and going - volunteers looking for a roll of yellow barrier tape, a screwdriver, some bottles of water. 
And there was the usual teasing among the Feast’s co-chairmen: Peter Brunelli, Mickey DeGrazia, Tom Olsen and Frank Fiorillo.
It had been this way for decades. And it felt the same this year as it always had in the days before the Feast of St. Rocco gets underway."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180809/grand-finale-for-franklins-feast-of-st-rocco

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 10, 2018
40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 10, 2018
"Bernadette Coughlin hopes she is the last person in Massachusetts to be fired for having a toke of pot at home off work hours. 
The 55-year-old former patient services manager at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen visited the Statehouse with her lawyer on Tuesday, hoping to drum up support for some type of legislation that would limit employers from keeping their employees away from marijuana when they’re not on the job. 
In late May, Coughlin slipped on a kitchen floor at work and broke her left wrist and elbow, which several days later triggered a drug test - which she said her former employer, the food services company Sodexo, requires after at-work injuries. 
Coughlin’s test was positive for marijuana, which is not surprising because the Methuen resident said she used pot about a couple times a week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180808/massachusetts-worker-fired-for-pot-use-seeks-legislative-response

Thursday, August 9, 2018

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 9, 2018

Rides Open Thursday, August 9 from 5:00-10:00 PM


Times change and traditions evolve. This year’s annual Feast of St. Rocco, on August 9-12 will mark the 40th and final food festival in Franklin. Driven by the energy and passion of long-time committee members, and executed with the strength of 300 volunteers, this festival finale will be one to remember! 

This year’s celebration will feature more than a dozen food booths offering everything from fried clams, calzones and sausages to authentic Italian pastries and fried dough. Entertainment throughout the weekend will include live bands, DJs, raffles, and amusement rides. Commemorative T-shirts and aprons will be on sale. Raffles for cash prizes and homemade items will be available all weekend. 

Throughout the years, the festival has adapted to the changing lifestyle of the community. In the early days all food was donated and prepared in the kitchens of the parish faithful. For a time, food was prepared in the kitchen of what was then the St. Mary’s School. Today, the food is prepared under the tents where it is served, under strict board of health guidelines. The one constant for 40 years has been the enthusiastic volunteers who prepare and serve the food throughout the weekend.

Entertainment has changed over the years as well. Music has always been part of the celebration and the early days featured several stages with multiple bands and dancing. A pie eating competition and chocolate chip cookie contest are some of the past events. And the young and young-at-heart have enjoyed old fashioned midway games, carnival rides, cotton candy and laughter galore throughout the years! 

Weather has been noteworthy over time. The festival has been held in scorching heat and throughout thunderstorm-ridden weekends, but the spirit of the festival has always endured.

Don’t miss the final food festival beginning Thursday evening, August 9 and continuing through Sunday the 12th, held on the field beside the parking lot across from the St. Mary’s Church. Come for the food. Come for the rides. Come for the people. Just come… be a part of the St. Rocco Festival Finale! For more information or to volunteer to help on festival weekend, please contact the St. Mary’s Rectory at 508-528-0020.

Additional info can be found on the St Rocco page
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/feast-st-rocco

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 9, 2018
40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 9, 2018

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Feast of St. Rocco Festival - Through the years

The Feast of St. Rocco Festival began in 1978 as the brainchild of Father Michael Guarino. He sought to create a religious, social and cultural event in Franklin that followed the format of traditional Italian festivals. On a visit to what were once the grounds of the St. Mary School convent, Fr. Guarino found a statue of St. Rocco and his idea found a saint to celebrate in such a festival. 

St Rocco, the patron saint of healing, was born in the 13th century to a wealth family in France but gave away his inheritance and set out as a pilgrim who ministered to the sick, especially those suffering from plague. Having healed many people through intercessory prayer without contracting the disease itself, he finally succumbed to illness and in his great suffering, went away to a small hut the woods, so as not to be a burden on others. He was ministered to be a dog who brought him bread daily, and a spring miraculously appeared near the hut providing him with water.

Ironically, with the feast focused on healing, accessibility is a major challenge for many parishioners. Change is taking place not only with the evolution of the festival, but also within the physical building of St. Mary’s church itself. During the Festival Finale, construction will be in full swing for an addition to the church that will include an accessible entrance, indoor elevator, restrooms on both levels and a food service area. This addition to the church will also feature a permanent location for the statue of St. Rocco to reside, where people can visit with the saint and pray year-round in good weather and bad.

Since its inception, the festival has always included three separate Masses. Kicking off the week of the feast is the Opening Mass at 10:30 on Sunday, August 5 at the church. This Mass is celebrated for the deceased friends and family listed in the St. Rocco program book. At this Mass, rolls that have been blessed are given out to all who attend, just as St. Rocco’s faithful dog brought him bread when he was sick, that helped him survive.

The following week on Saturday, August 11, an Anointing Mass will be held at 10:00 under the tent on the Festival Grounds behind the school across from the church. According to Paula Coughlin, long-time volunteer and Parish Administrative Assistant, “This always attracts a large, reverent crowd. There is something moving about seeing all these people attend Mass and receive an anointing for healing, even as the booth volunteers are readying their booths to serve the people coming for lunch.”

This year, the 40th and final Closing Mass for the Feast of St Rocco will be held on Sunday, August 12 at 10:30 at the church. Following Mass, a procession will carry the statue of St. Rocco from the church to the field.

As the food and festival portion of this feast comes to an end, it paves the way for new traditions and ways to celebrate faith, family and friends within the parish. 

Fr. Brian Manning, pastor of St. Mary’s explains it this way: “As we conclude the Festival of Food portion of the Feast of Saint Rocco this year, we will continue to honor in new ways the vision of faith that Fr. Michael and his many lay volunteers shared with all of us then and through all the years.” 

With changes to the church, the statue of St Rocco will be permanently housed in the new addition where people can pray at any time. And while our faith and town community may not see the food booths and rides on the fairgrounds next year, new traditions will bloom that are compatible with today’s lifestyle and culture.

Don’t miss this historic event. Come for the rides, Come for the people. Come for the healing. Just come … be a part of the St. Rocco Festival Food Finale!


Additional info can be found on the St Rocco page
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/feast-st-rocco


Photos from the St Rocco Festival in 2013

St_Rocco_Festival_2013

Monday, July 16, 2018

St. Rocco Festival of Food Finale - Aug 9-12, 2018

Times change and traditions evolve. This year’s annual Feast of St. Rocco, on August 9-12 will mark the 40th and final food festival in Franklin. Driven by the energy and passion of long-time committee members, and executed with the strength of 300 volunteers, this festival finale will be one to remember! 

This year’s celebration will feature more than a dozen food booths offering everything from fried clams, calzones and sausages to authentic Italian pastries and fried dough. Entertainment throughout the weekend will include live bands, DJs, raffles, and amusement rides. Commemorative T-shirts and aprons will be on sale. Raffles for cash prizes and homemade items will be available all weekend.

Throughout the years, the festival has adapted to the changing lifestyle of the community. In the early days all food was donated and prepared in the kitchens of the parish faithful. For a time, food was prepared in the kitchen of what was then the St. Mary’s School. Today, the food is prepared under the tents where it is served, under strict board of health guidelines. The one constant for 40 years has been the enthusiastic volunteers who prepare and serve the food throughout the weekend.

Entertainment has changed over the years as well. Music has always been part of the celebration and the early days featured several stages with multiple bands and dancing. A pie eating competition and chocolate chip cookie contest are some of the past events. And the young and young-at-heart have enjoyed old fashioned midway games, carnival rides, cotton candy and laughter galore throughout the years!

Weather has been noteworthy over time. The festival has been held in scorching heat and throughout thunderstorm-ridden weekends, but the spirit of the festival has always endured.

Don’t miss the final food festival beginning Thursday evening, August 9 and continuing through Sunday the 12th, held on the field beside the parking lot across from the St. Mary’s Church. Come for the food. Come for the rides. Come for the people. Just come… be a part of the St. Rocco Festival Finale! For more information or to volunteer to help on festival weekend, please contact the St. Mary’s Rectory at 508-528-0020.


Additional info can be found on the St Rocco page
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/feast-st-rocco

Photos from the St Rocco Festival in 2013

St_Rocco_Festival_2013

Monday, August 14, 2017

"feel the presence of joy and peace of one another"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Three days before the 690th anniversary of St. Rocco’s death, four men carried a small statue of the medieval man down the steps of St. Mary parish, across the intersection of Church Square and Pleasant Street, through a school parking lot, and onto the field of grass and woodchips that has served as an annual fairgrounds for 39 years. 
One hundred people joined the short procession after the 10:30 a.m. Mass Sunday. Turning their backs to carnival booths that were selling Belgian waffles, clam cakes, calzones, and manicotti, they stood in a circle as the Rev. Brian Manning blessed the statue of a man who died in the 14th century – but still touches lives in the 21st. 
“He’s a patron of the sick, and there are many times when you’re not feeling that well or you’re hit with a severe injury or a severe sickness, you do turn to St. Rocco,” said Bob Catalano, 94, a Navy veteran of World War II. “He’s a healer of the sick. So we take advantage of it.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170813/franklin-community-turns-to-st-rocco

one of the carnival booths on Friday evening
one of the carnival booths on Friday evening

Thursday, August 10, 2017

39th Feast of St Rocco's opens today

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

1 St. Mary’s Parish is holding its 39th annual Feast of St. Rocco festival this week. 
2 The event will be held Aug. 10-13 on the St. Rocco’s fairgrounds across from St. Mary’s Church, located at One Church Square. The celebration will feature Italian and other festival fare, live music, carnival rides, and more. 
3 Carnival rides will open Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. Get a $25 bracelet for unlimited rides. There will be limited food available (pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs). 
4 The festival will be in full swing Friday from 5-10 p.m. All food booths will be open. The Reminisants will be on the bandstand from 6 to 10 p.m.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170809/franklin-gearing-up-for-annual-feast-of-st-rocco

the carnival rides were delivered to the grounds of the Feast of Sto Rocco's for set up
the carnival rides were delivered to the grounds of the Feast of Sto Rocco's for set up

Additional info on the Feast and schedule of events can be found
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/39th-feast-of-st-rocco-aug-6-13-2017.html

or directly on the St Mary's webpage  http://stmarysfranklin.org/93

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

39th Feast of St Rocco - Aug 6 -13, 2017

The carnival rides were delivered to the grounds of the St Rocco Festival and will be set up to open on schedule.

carnival rides delivered and ready for set up
carnival rides delivered and ready for set up

The schedule for the rides is as follows:




The entertainment schedule is as follows:





ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE ST. ROCCO FAMILY FESTIVAL


On the Festival Grounds


THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
5:00-10:00 Ride all rides for $25 (bracelet)


FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Andi the Clown
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) The Reminisants


SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Ride all rides for $25 (bracelet)
1:00 p.m. Paws, the PawSox mascot will be on the field
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) 
Bobby Costello D. J.
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Andi the Clown
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND Sea Breeze


SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
12:00 - 4:00p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) Bob Costello D.J.
12:00 - 4:00p.m. Ride all rides for $25 (bracelet)
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Andi the Clown
4:00 - 7:00 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) Jerry Seeco Band
7:00 -8:00 p.m. Bob Costello D.J.
7:30 p.m. Drawing to be held


For additional information, you can visit the St Rocco's Festival page 
http://stmarysfranklin.org/93

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

“We’re going to pull up our tents, so to speak”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"After almost 40 years, St. Mary’s Parish will hold its second to last Feast of St. Rocco festival starting on Sunday. 
“We’re going to pull up our tents, so to speak,” co-chairman of the event, Peter Brunelli said. “It’s getting hard to get people to keep committing to do this.” 
Until that time, however, Brunelli said everyone is welcome to the annual event and that he hopes to see as many in attendance as possible. 
The 39th annual event, which celebrates St. Rocco who is seen as a protector against sickness, will be held Aug. 6-13 at One Church Street. The celebration will be host to various events including live music, rides, food and more."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170731/st-roccos-festival-starts-sunday-in-franklin

Fr Brian Manning's letter to the parish on St Rocco's
http://stmarysfranklin.org/media/1/23/2017StRoccoLetter.PDF




St Rocco's Festival
carousel detail from St Rocco's 2012


Sunday, August 14, 2016

"we've gotta be doing something right"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The 38th annual Feast of St. Rocco, put on by St. Mary's Parish, is in full swing, with thousands expected to partake of the carnival rides, games and food. 
Peter Brunelli, one of the organizers of the yearly celebration of the saint venerated as a protector against sickness, said attendance was decent as of midday Saturday, but he expected it to improve as the weekend continues. The festival opened Thursday and will continue through Sunday. 
"I think the rain showers (Friday) night had been holding people back a bit," he said. "We just had an outside Mass, which was filled with 300 people."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160813/feast-of-st-rocco-rocks-on

early Thursday morning before the Feast opened, it was empty and quiet
early Thursday morning before the Feast opened, it was empty and quiet

When open Thursday evening, there was a line at the Italian parties provided by the DeBaggis family
When open Thursday evening, there was a line at the Italian parties provided by the DeBaggis family 

The schedule of events for Sunday:


Sunday is a 'bracelet day', ride from noon to 4:00 pm for $25
Sunday is a 'bracelet day', ride from noon to 4:00 pm for $25

The entertainment schedule

music at the bandstand from noon to 9:00 PM when the 38th Feast of St Rocco's closes
music at the bandstand from noon to 9:00 PM when the 38th Feast of St Rocco's closes

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Rides and food booths for St Rocco's open Thursday, Aug 11 for the 38th Annual event

The rides and food booths for the 38th Annual Feast of St Rocco's open Thursday, August 11 and run through Sunday, August 14, 2016.

Ride and Food booth Schedule

overall ride and food booth schedule for 8/11 through 8/14
overall ride and food booth schedule for 8/11 through 8/14

Entertainment Schedule


2016 Entertainment Schedule
2016 Entertainment Schedule
Additional info on the schedule can be found on the St Mary's Parish webpage
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/93



Thursday, August 13, 2015

37th Feast of St Rocco opens tonight

37th Feast of St Rocco opens tonight

overall schedule for the Feast of  St Rocco  2015
overall schedule for the Feast of  St Rocco  2015

entertainment schedule for the Feast of St Rocco  2015
entertainment schedule for the Feast of St Rocco  2015
food for the Feast of St Rocco  2015
food for the Feast of St Rocco  2015
Additional information on the St Rocco Feast can be found on the St Mary's Parish page   http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/93

or on the Facebook page here  https://www.facebook.com/events/1434885293487700/