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   

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 13, 2025 ???

Friday, June 13

• Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit (during Franklin Historical Museum Open Hours)

8:30am Franklin Football Panther Cup (New England Country Club)

9:00am Kennedy 5th Grade Patriotic Concert (John F. Kennedy Memorial School)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Moxie (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

4:00pm Strawberry Stroll 

7:00pm Urinetown, the Musical (Franklin High School)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee - Strawberry Stroll

Friday, June 13 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06132025-1767

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

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/

Reminder: Road closures for Friday’s Strawberry Stroll - June 13

Strawberry Stroll-Friday, June 13th 4:00-8:00

Reminder: Road closures for Friday’s Strawberry Stroll - June 13

Reminder:

• Main Street will be closed at 2:00
• No parking on Main St starting at 1:00
• Plenty of parking in downtown parking lots

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."

Check out the Spring Fashion Fling at the Community Closet - June 13

Spring Fashion Fling at the Community Closet - June 13

We are just a few days away from the Spring Fashion Fling!

During the Strawberry Stroll from 4 - 8 PM on Friday, June 13

• Revamp your wardrobe
• Find new-to-you treasures
• Celebrate sustainability
• Be part of the community

To learn more, go to https://franklinumc.org/2025/06/01/spring-fashion-fling/.

Face painting by Creative Corner Art Studio during the Strawberry Stroll, June 13

Face painting during the Strawberry Stroll, June 13

Creative Corner will do face painting at their new studio located between Birchwood Bakery and East Driving School. 

Stop by to check out their new location

They have art programs for after school and during the summer -> 

https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/

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.

Unofficial "Strawberry poll" results are in - Strawberry Stroll a rousing success on Friday!

Yes, it was a natural twist on the famous straw poll that was one part of the activities at the Strawberry Stroll on Friday, June 7, 2024 in downtown Franklin.

The Franklin Democrat Town Committee booth invited approximately 150 visitors to participate in the "strawberry poll". The choices were nonpartisan and tough. 

The unofficial results for the best use of a strawberry (only 2 choices per voter) and what are Franklin's finest (top four from each voter)?:

Unofficial "Strawberry poll" results are in

graphical view of results on the Unofficial "Strawberry poll"

State Representative Jeff Roy and Senator Becca Rausch cast their votes:

State Representative Jeff Roy and Senator Becca Rausch cast their votes

Unofficial results for the vote on Franklin's Finest. Note that the write-ins are still being processed.

Unofficial results for the vote on Franklin's Finest

Photos and unofficial results courtesy of the Franklin Democrat Town Committee.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 7, 2024?

Friday, June 7

8:00am Early voting for Special Election (Last day at Town Clerk's Office)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Kaye Kelly Trio (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

4:00pm Strawberry Stroll - (Main St, Downtown Franklin)

7:30pm August: Osage County! (THE BLACK BOX)

9:00pm Gilmartin Bros (live music) (3 Restaurant)

** No Town Meetings today

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events    

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

2024 Strawberry Stroll - booth locations map

For those who just want to stroll, starting anywhere and working your way along Main St and the Depot Plaza works. 

For those who want to make sure they hit the specific tables/booths, the map and listing will help you find where they are so you want miss them if you get distracted by something else.

 

Download your copy of the PDF here -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13C9a8rFo5XSb2OkOBj8RiUY533kIQXWW/view?usp=drive_link

2024 Strawberry Stroll - booth locations map

Thanks to the Downtown Partnership for putting the event together!

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

FREE Face painting at Strawberry Stroll

Free Face Painting

 

Free Face Painting Strawberry Stroll Friday ! Sponsored by Creative Corner Art Studio . Locally Owned Small Business.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/MzBApw5ahRueUkf2/

Franklin's Strawberry Stroll a great start to summer, June 7 from 4 to 8 PM

The 20th Annual Strawberry Stroll is ready to go. This town favorite is set for Friday, June 7 from 4 to 8 PM. The rain date is Saturday, June 8, from 4 to 8 PM. The stroll is held on Main Street which will be closed to traffic so visitors can easily and safely walk. Come to downtown Franklin to start your summer!

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

Franklin's Strawberry Stroll

Here’s what else you can expect:
Booths will have fun activities for children, a variety of giveaways, delicious food, information about organizations and businesses, and fabulous strawberry shortcake.

Musical entertainment by Heath Nisbett playing acoustic guitar, 4 pm to 6 pm; Dom DeBaggis playing acoustic guitar, 6 pm to 8 pm; Feet in Motion Dance Studio offering two performances during the afternoon/evening. Radio station MyFM 101.3 will broadcast from 4 PM to 8 PM. Franklin Fire Department will have Touch A Truck, Sparky, and fire safety information; and Franklin Historical Museum will be open.

“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 cake,” said Kevin Johnson, Strawberry Stroll Chairman.  “What better way to kick off the summer than joining others and listening to live music on Main Street.”

Event organizer Franklin Downtown Partnership is grateful for the financial support from community businesses. This year’s stroll is made possible by the support of the following sponsors. Platinum Sponsor:  Dean College. Gold Sponsors: Camford Property Group, Inc., Dean Bank, The Enclave of Franklin Senior Living, Glen Meadows Apartments, Middlesex Savings Bank. Silver Sponsor: Notturno Home Services. Bronze Sponsors: Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Chestnut Dental, DCU, Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Fenton Financial Group, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Peel Microspa.

Follow the Franklin Downtown Partnership 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.