Would you like to present or perform at the Third Annual Franklin Cultural Festival?

The Franklin Cultural District Festival Committee is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the Third Annual Franklin Cultural Festival from Wednesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 29, 2017. 

The Festival will take place in various locations in downtown Franklin including: THE BLACK BOX (inside and outside on its stage), the Brick School, the Historical Museum, the Town Common, the Franklin United Methodist Church, and Franklin High School.

To highlight and support all presenters, the Festival Committee is seeking Performing groups/individuals, Visual Artists, and area Restaurants/Food Service businesses to participate in the Festival.

Please see the information attached regarding the Schedule of Events. There are three separate applications on the Cultural District Website: 

1. Performers/Music
2. Visual Artists 
3. Culinary Arts

Please select the application that best fits your presentation.

If you have any questions/concerns, please contact the Franklin Cultural District Festival Committee at: FranklinCulturalDistrict@gmail.com

Completed applications must be received by 5:00 PM on February 28, 2017 to be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Third Annual Franklin Cultural Festival from Wednesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 29, 2017

Cover letter (includes draft schedule of events)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczVG9STXVFVHFRWjQ

Performers/Music Application
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczbVRJLUIxcy1XUmc

Visual Artists Application
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczU2dTbnA4c0dXeFk

Culinary Arts Application
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczMUlEWC1weFg5eWM

In the News: steak master recognized, Rotary spaghetti dinner for seniors, Red Cross blood drives

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Franklin resident Jessica Studley, a culinary team member at Long Horn Steakhouse in Franklin, was recently recognized as the regional winner of the company’s Steak Master Series competition. 

This title is given to the top performing culinary team members in the company. She is one of just 60 team members from Long Horn Steakhouse to achieve this distinction. 

Studley has been with Long Horn Steakhouse for almost six years. She started as a hostess and has advanced her career within the company. 

“I learned through the Steak Master Series competition that there are many talented people who help make Long Horn Steakhouse a great place to work and dine,” said Studley. “I’m proud to have been chosen to represent our team and showcase what I love to do.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160523/franklin-resident-is-regional-winner-of-long-horn-steak-master-contest

"The Franklin Rotary Club's Pasta Supper for Franklin Seniors will be held at 5 p.m. June 9 at Central Park Terrace. 

Sign-up sheets are available at the Central Park Terrace, and the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. Those interested can also call the senior center at 508-520-4945 to register."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160523/franklin-rotary-club-to-hold-pasta-supper

"The American Red Cross will host the following blood drives in Franklin:June 8: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 91 Jordan Road. This drive will be in honor of Richie Beaulieau. June 9: 2-7 p.m. at the Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St. 

Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160523/american-red-cross-to-host-franklin-blood-drives

THE BLACK BOX Sets The Stage For Culinary Cabaret Food And Wine Event - Mar 4

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Culinary Cabaret 2016 on Friday, March 4, from 7-11 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. The annual food and wine event showcases the culinary and performing arts, featuring masterful dishes and gourmet specialties. The evening also includes a culinary-themed silent auction and entertainment by the ACME Jazz Quartet and the international touring ensemble Electric Youth.

FPAC is pleased to collaborate with exceptional area chefs and restaurants to present an innovative evening of inspired cuisine. Savor fine wines, craft beer, and delicious appetizers, desserts and dishes from Café Assisi, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Genji Sushi, Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill, J and L Catering, Morin’s Fine Catering, Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits, Twist Bakery, 3 Restaurant, The Curry House, The Sugar Shoppe and more.

THE BLACK BOX will get its marquee in early March

Celebrating Culinary Cabaret’s 5th anniversary, the signature event’s 2016 reprise will once again showcase food and art of outstanding creative caliber. 

• Davio’s Executive Chef Paul King, a Culinary Cabaret founding partner, will serve up grilled cheese short ribs on Texas toast with horseradish cream. 
• Chef John Boardman of J and L Catering will prepare shrimp ceviche, served with a homemade garlic tortilla chip, and key lime pie shooters. 
• Among the event’s new partners, Café Assisi will treat guests to braised pork osso bucco, fried spaghetti, polenta, sour dough breads with seasoned dipping oil, and a flavorful antipasto display. 
• Fragrant Indian cuisine from The Curry House will feature chicken tikka masala, chana masala and samosas. 
• Sweet and savory selections from Twist Bakery Café will include an assortment of pastries, along with pulled pork corn muffins with chipotle slaw and cheddar, smoked gouda and ham scones.

Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits will partner restaurant stations with representatives from vineyards and distributors, who will pour wines specifically chosen to complement the chef-prepared specialties. Reflecting Pour Richard’s “Never Drink Ordinary” motto, beverages will feature small producers, high quality and eclectic selection.

Tickets for Culinary Cabaret are $75 and are fully inclusive of the evening’s food, wine, beer and entertainment. Event proceeds support Electric Youth’s 2016 European concert tour, featuring a July 4th performance for U.S. troops stationed at Aviano Air Force Base. For more information, visit www.FPAConline.com. Tickets may be purchased online at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by phone at 508-528-3370.

Tri-County Students Place Third In Massachusetts Prostart Invitational

Six juniors from Tri-County Regional’s Culinary Arts program brought home bronze medals from the 2016 Massachusetts ProStart Invitational held at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on Tuesday, February 23.

The students claimed third place honors in both the Culinary Arts and Management competitions. Eight teams from across the state participated in the annual competition.

students prepared a menu entitled "American Delights"

Tri-County’s Culinary Arts team included Hannah Ruff, of Norfolk, Justin Chapman, and Rob Jackson, both of North Attleborough, and Julia Ohlson, of Plainville. Miranda Way, of Medway, and Colleen Kinney, of North Attleborough, competed on the Management side.

During the competition, the Management team developed a proposal to launch a new restaurant, including a marketing plan and menu. The Culinary team then had 60 minutes to cook an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Participating students were required to provide recipes, food cost, and menu pricing.

Six students from Tri-County’s Culinary Arts program received bronze medals at the 2016 Massachusetts ProStart Invitational 

The students prepared a menu entitled "American Delights,” comprised of plates from different regions in the United States. Their appetizer, "From the Seas of New England," featured a fresh pan-seared North Atlantic Sea Scallop nestled on a bed of Sautéed Spinach with Mussels in a rich Saffron Sauce. The entrée was "From the Wild West," and included Lamb Chops grilled with Rosemary and Garlic and served alongside Mashed Potatoes and Root Vegetables. The dessert, "From the Golden State," was a Chocolate Mousse served in a Twill Cup.

The Massachusetts ProStart Invitational is hosted by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association Education Foundation. Winners at the state level advance to the National ProStart Invitational. This is the fifth year Tri-County has participated in the competition.

ProStart is a two-year high school Culinary Arts program, with curriculum developed by industry and academic experts. Tri-County's Culinary Arts program follows the ProStart curriculum.