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.
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| 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:
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.
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