Humidity did not keep the folks away, the Strawberry Stroll saw an increase in participants

From Main St between Dean and the Library looking towards Emmons St

The sun was bright, shade was sought to give a bit of relief from the humidity but the crowds kept coming. 

• Lots of happy faces were seen
• Many conversations were held
• Folks hopefully left with more info about what is available in Franklin

Thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership and all their vendors, organizations and volunteers for pulling this together. And of course to Franklin Police and Fire for their expert assistance in traffic control and with the occasional heat affected individuals.

Economic Development Subcmte gets updates on the events for June & continues goal discussion (audio)

FM #1762 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1762 in the series. 

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Thursday, June 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Vice-Chair Morrongiello, Griffith & Malloy were present for this session, Chair LeBlanc was away.

Quick recap:

• Cory Shea to talk about the events, 

• Restaurant Week underway, good social interactions, PorchFest on Saturday June 6, about 50 performers and 30+porches; after the music you can also visit a restaurant as the week ends on Saturday.

• Tricky trying to put the pieces together from a regional aspect for an international event, lots of connections made, lessons learned

• Main St will be closed between St Mary's and the Franklin Federated Church. The jumbotron will be at Hayward Manor; Live performances scheduled; Info on schedule details, parking etc will be posted on June 22

• After the watch parties, Pride on June 27, then into the 4th of July Celebration… Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common during the summer, then Harvest Festival in Sept and wreath of Franklin date TBD Nov, Dec

• MetroWest guide for the watch parties coming out , Town has an ad placed in it as it will be spreading quite a bit.

• Discussion on goals vs work plan, should it be 2 or one.

• Why is there a distinction?

• Solid waste master plan required for the town dump, consent order from DEP so it is already being worked

The meeting runs about 71 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1762-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-06-04-26/

—-----------

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/HJsDcLu_-xk?&t=161 

The agenda here - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042026-2343 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMctKdP3zMR8fJSIsIDFplpBCbQdfBhd/view?usp=drive_link 

   

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

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

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

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

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

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 12, 2026 ???

Friday, June 12

9am Fallen Hero: Lloyd M. Ellis (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

4pm Strawberry Stroll     (Main St, Franklin)

5pm A Children’s Parade (Dean College)

For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

---------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

The Franklin Pubic Library is "Berry excited about the Stroll, book sale &weekend events"

The Franklin Pubic Library is "Berry excited about the
Stroll, book sale &weekend events"

"We are so BERRY excited as we close out the week!

• Diamond Art Destress Th 6-11 6pm
• Registration Required. Spaces Open!
• Book Sale Weekend!!!! Fri & Sat!
• Strawberry Pompom Craft F 6-12 3pm
• Animal Affair Sa 6-13 10am"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BexHXjAnE/

REMINDER: Road Closures for Strawberry Stroll, Friday, June 12

Reminder: Road Closures for Friday’s Strawberry Stroll Strawberry Stroll-is THIS Friday June 12th 4:00-8:00 -Main Street will be closed at 2:00 pm -No parking on Main St starting at 12:00 pm -Plenty of parking in downtown parking lots -Check out our website for a full list of vendors, maps, and activities VENDORS- If you did NOT recieve your vendor instruction packet, please email fdpevent@gmail.com July Newsletter Reminder Hello Franklin Downtown Partnership Members! I would LOVE to include you in our July Newsletter. If your business has any noteworthy special events or announcements, please email them to me by End of Day next Friday, so that I may highlight them in the Newsletter. Please email submissions to Marcie DiChiara at fdpcommunications@gmail.com Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St. | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Franklin 250 Team Joins Strawberry Stroll, Shares First Logo & Merch

An exciting kickoff is coming! 

Attendees at the 22nd Annual Strawberry Stroll in downtown Franklin on June 12, 2026 from 4-8 (rain date June 13) will want to visit the booth of the Franklin 250th Celebration Committee (near the Library)!  

Formed in late 2025 by the Town of Franklin to ready the community to mark its first "quarter millennia" as a town, the Committee will be formally revealing its new logo and sharing fun merchandise to both build awareness and raise funds for what is to come.

The committee, composed of 15 residents, has already set dates for several celebratory events in 2028, including a parade and fireworks in September of 2028 and a gala in early November. 

Between now and then, the committee is pursuing a number of fun and educational initiatives and engaging with residents, businesses, and community groups to help make this 250th celebration truly special.

Watch for Franklin 250 volunteers at other upcoming events including Watch Parties, Farmers Market and at  the town's Independence Day festivities on the Common, July 1-5.

About

The Franklin 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee builds on the work of townspeople who came together in 1878, 1928, and 1978 (and 2003) to commemorate important milestones in the town's life, to honor the leadership and accomplishments of the past, and to point the way toward a vibrant future for the state's 221st town. Activities and events for all ages are being planned.  The seed funds for the Committee came from a state legislative earmark. All other funding will be by voluntary contributions from citizens and organizations who share a commitment to honor the past and build for the future.

Children’s Parade is the Newest Addition to Strawberry Stroll + Schedule

A Children’s Parade at Dean College is the newest addition to Franklin’s Strawberry Stroll, set for Friday June 12th from 4 to 8 PM. Rain Date June 13th.

Children are invited to bring their strawberry swag and walk in a parade at Dean College’s campus. They are encouraged to wear their best strawberry summer spirit or decorate their bikes, scooters, strollers and wheels of all kinds for a fun and casual strut. The parade is accessible to all and begins at 5:00 PM on the Dean College Quad on Main Street and will run for about 20 minutes. 

The Franklin Public Library is hosting a drop-in strawberry pom-pom making craft for kids before the Stroll.

STRAWBERRY STROLL SCHEDULE

4 to 6 PM ------ Heath Nisbett music performance, Dean Ave.

5 to 5:30 PM ------ Children’s Parade, Dean College main campus

5:30 PM ------ Feet in Motion School of Dance, Main Street, near bridge

5:45 PM ------ Mural Dedication by Franklin Artist, Kayla Nisbet, Dean Bank

6 to 8 PM ------ Dom DeBaggis music performance, Dean Ave.

6:30 PM ------ Desi Swag Queens dance performance, near library

7:00 PM  ------ Feet in Motion School of Dance, Main Street, near bridge

ALL DAY - 4 to 8 PM ------

• Strawberry Shortcake served at Dean Bank
• Touch-A-Fire Truck, intersection of Main & School Streets, near library
• Padula Family Band music performance, library lawn
• MyFM Radio 101.3 broadcasts live, lower Main Street, near bridge
• The Cultural Hub: Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy; Cultural Council; Cultural District Committee; Franklin Art Association, Franklin Public Library, near library lawn.
• Franklin Historical Museum, learn about Franklin’s history; Franklin-oriented books and merchandise for sale, library lawn
• Franklin Public Library fun & games on the front lawn
• Children’s Museum of Franklin pop-up with children’s water activities, Little Shop of Olive Oil parking lot

Stay up to date on the Strawberry Stroll and other events by following the Franklin 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 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.

The Strawberry Stroll features a kids parade on the Dean College quad

NEW TO THE STRAWBERRY STROLL THIS YEAR!!  

The Strawberry Stroll features a kids parade on the Dean College quad

Join us for the Children’s Parade!  

The parade will kick off at 5 pm.  

Caretakers and children are encouraged to participate in the fun!!!

Strawberry Stroll Set for June 12, 2026 with More Activities Located Along Main Street

The 22nd Annual Strawberry Stroll is set for Friday, June 12 from 4 to 8 pm. Rain date is Saturday June 13 from 4 to 8 pm. The event is expanded up Main Street to Dean College and Franklin Public Library.

The Strawberry Stroll has everything you want. Food, music, entertainment, 100+ vendors, community groups, activities, and strawberry shortcake. There’s something for everyone.

Strawberry Stroll Set for June 12, 2026  with
More Activities Located Along Main Street

“We are excited to extend the Strawberry Stroll up Main Street to the library for the second year. The extension has elevated this special community day to a new level of fun,” said Kevin Johnson, Strawberry Stroll Chair. “With so much going on, the entire family will have an enjoyable experience. Each year the Strawberry Stroll attracts a record number of visitors and this year I anticipate the most visitors ever to kick off the summer.”

FIRST, THE FOOD!

The Food Court: (the parking lot at The Little Shop of Olive Oils) Boston Events Food Truck, Central Pizza, C&C Ice Cream, and Maguro House.

Along Main Street: Fresh Strawberry Shortcake, Applause Gelato, Ferrara’s Market, Intermission Cafe, Poppy and Crumb, and Teddy Gallagher’s Pub.

More food options: Visit downtown’s many restaurants and shops on Main, East Central and surrounding streets. 

THE AGENDA

Strawberry Shortcake  served by Dean Bank’s staff in front of the bank. Fresh strawberries donated and cut by Dean College will top hundreds of shortcakes complete with whipped cream. 

Children’s Parade at Dean’s College’s main campus at 5 pm. Strut your strawberry-summer spirit at this 20-minute parade at the quad.

Cultural Hub by Franklin Library.  A variety of arts-focused activities and information in Franklin all day. The Hub includes: Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy; Children's Museum of Franklin; Cultural Council; Cultural District Committee; Franklin Art Association; and Franklin Public Library. 

Franklin Historical Museum will educate visitors about Franklin’s history and sell books and Franklin-oriented merchandise.

Children’s Museum of Franklin will have a pop-up space offering creative children’s activities.

Franklin Public Library will be bubbling with fun games on the front lawn.

Touch-A-Truck Fire Truck will be at the top of Main Street near the library and Ginley Funeral Home.

Music will be provided by Heath Nisbett, 4 pm to 6 pm; Dom DeBaggis 6 pm to 8 pm on Dean Avenue, and the Padula Family will perform 4 pm to 8 pm near Dean College and the library.

Desi Swag Queens will perform at 6:30 pm near the library.

Feet in Motion School of Dance will perform at 5:30 and 7 pm near MyFM 101.3 booth

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

THANK YOU, SPONSORS

Strawberry Stroll organizer Franklin Downtown Partnership is grateful for the generosity of their sponsors:

• Platinum: Dean College; G & C Plumbing & Heating
• Gold: Dean Bank; Middlesex Savings Bank
• Silver: Camford Property Group, Inc.; Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication; The Enclave of Franklin; Fenton Financial Group; Franklin Kitchen Center; Glen Meadow Apartments- Schochet Companies; Notturno Home Services; Simon's Furniture
• Bronze: Chestnut Dental, LeafFilter Gutter Protection

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

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 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.

Download the one page flyer as a reminder or to share\

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15riDdsGFEKFvcsmTrDaIIMrAja3Jo0SS/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Downtown Partnership Posts its 2026 Event and Meeting Schedule

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has set their 2026 schedule for their annual community events and business meetings. Events are open to the public. Meetings are for FDP members. Mark your calendar!

Event Dates:

Ladybug Trail Spring Walk  Sat. April 25    9 am – all day Rain Date April 26

Spring Beautification Day Sat. May 16     9 am - 12 pm  

Strawberry Stroll            Fri. June 12      4 pm - 8 pm Rain Date June 13

Harvest Festival            Sat. Sept. 26    12 pm - 5 pm Rain Date Sept. 27

Winter Decorating Day Sat. Nov. 21 9 am - 12 pm

FDP Business Meeting Dates: 

February 5, April 2, June 4, September 3, November 5

General meetings are open to FDP members only. The meetings are a good opportunity to introduce your business and network. For more information contact FDP at downtownfranklin@yahoo.com or call 774-571-3109. To become a member, visit the website at franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Follow the FDP 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 375 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. In addition to managing events like Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival, and Beautification Days, the Partnership also manages the streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Strawberry Stroll a Big Hit for Vendors and Visitors

Franklin’s 21st Annual Strawberry Stroll was a huge success. Main Street was filled with thousands of people of all ages and more than 125 vendors enjoying the start of summer and strawberry season. 

A record number of shortcakes were sold. Proceeds go toward next year’s Stroll. Both vendors and visitors loved the celebration all the way from the Little Shop parking lot to Franklin Library. 

Dean College’s Bulldog inflatable mascot was on the front lawn at Ray House on their campus where kids played. At the library, a bubble machine had kids chasing bubbles near the Benjamin Franklin statue. Next to the bubbles, kids played Inflatable ball games, chalk art on the walkway and cornhole on the lawn.

record number of shortcakes were sold

At the other end of Main, at the Little Shop of Olive Oils parking lot, the Children’s Museum of Franklin had activities, building blocks and science fun at their booth. 

In the middle of Main, music from Dom DeBaggis and Heath Nisbett filled the afternoon air. At Dean College the Padula Band played jazz and blues tunes; Rep. Jeff Roy entertained with his great guitar playing. The Desi Swag Dancers performed in colorful costumes. Fun pop music backed up Feet in Motion while they danced in the street.

The Franklin Historical Museum staff introduced their strawberry patch in front of the museum on route 140. Alan Earls, Chair of the Historical Commission, spoke about the legacy and importance of Franklin’s agricultural history. Next door, the First United Methodist Church opened their doors for people to shop the huge display of recycled and upcycled clothing at their Community Closet.

“This year's Strawberry Stroll was such an incredible event. We are already getting great feedback from vendors on how much they liked how the event went straight up Main Street to the Library,” Scott Martin said, president of Franklin Downtown Partnership, organizer of the stroll. “The crowds were bigger than ever, we hit our high mark for the Strawberry Stroll.”  

A big thank you Denise Pearson and the Dean Bank staff as well as Bill Ingram, Dean College and FDP Board member, and the Dean College staff who prepared and dished out a record number of strawberry shortcakes this year, Martin added.

Thank you to MyFM Radio 101.3 for broadcasting live all day. Special thanks to all our volunteers; Kevin Johnson, Stroll event chair; Scott Martin, FDP president who coordinated the day; and Roberta Trahan and Pandora Carlucci, vendor coordinators.

Thank you again to the Strawberry Stroll sponsors, said Lisa Piana, Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Executive Director. And many thanks to the police, DPW, and all who help make this event a success each year.

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

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 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.

Additional Franklin Matters photos of the event ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/nvJNHReQzAKv24C96

 

Great Community Story

Sarah Mabardy and Chaplin Bob
pose with the board setting up for the Stroll

A great community story.

If you were at the Franklin Downtown Partnership ’s strawberry stroll yesterday (Friday), You may have seen this game board at the booth for the Franklin Public School’s Mental Health and Well Being Task Force.

It was made possible by the combined efforts of the American Legion (built), PG Custom Crafts (prepped and finished) and June Mint Designs (Art). A true coming together of a kindness in Franklin.

You will see it again at the harvest festival this fall, Please stop by.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CBjxHSGAS/

Franklin TV: Pluck -A- Ducky!

Strawberry Stroll was totally ducky!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/15/2025

We set records at Strawberry Stroll. Our ‘Pluck-a-Ducky’ game was a big hit. Kiddies won 400 duckys and 20 wfpr.fm radios. We were so busy that we ran out of duckys by 6:30. Wow!! Slammin’! We did not see that coming.

Franklin TV: Pluck -A- Ducky!

At our busiest point the line to play our Ducky game was 12-15 kiddies long. Everyone who played won at least one ducky – and had a great time playing.

Watching little tykes grappling for duckys  With serious concentration – ‘cute overload’.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching.

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.

And staying informed at Franklin●news.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf