Franklin Downtown Partnership Prepares for Harvest Festival - October 2, 2021

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is making plans for its 18th annual Harvest Festival, a family-fun community event, scheduled for Saturday, October 2, 2021.

The Harvest Festival will be held in downtown Franklin from noon to 5 PM on Main Street, Dean Avenue, West Central Street, and Depot Street, as well as the large parking area behind Rockland Bank. The event’s rain date is Sunday, October 3. 

During the event, visitors will be treated to exciting local entertainment, delicious fall flavors from local restaurants, fun kid crafts and activities, shop specials, artwork and crafts by area artisans and helpful information from community groups and vendors. There will also be an Oktoberfest featuring local breweries and wineries.

"We’re thrilled to be able to bring back the Harvest Festival this year after last year’s COVID-imposed break,” said Scott Martin, president of the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Harvest Festival chairperson. “The Harvest Festival is a great opportunity to invite people to gather downtown, learn more about local businesses and organizations, and catch up with their neighbors.”

Registration for vendor booth spaces will open on Aug 10, 2021, and organizers expect booth space to sell out. Partnership members receive a booth for free; non-members pay $125. Downtown businesses must register to ensure store-front space. Booths are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. Please add a $35 late fee if you register after September 15. Registration will close on September 20. Email Chris Peterson, Harvest Festival vendor relations coordinator, at fdpevent@gmail.com with questions about the event.

The Partnership also welcomes businesses to help support the Harvest Festival. Sponsor forms are posted on the website, or business owners can contact the office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com. Harvest Festival sponsors can promote and advertise their business while supporting the Harvest Festival. Sponsors get prominent booth locations and publicity prior, during and after the event.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 300 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Learn more about the Partnership at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org. 

 

Planning underway for Franklin Harvest Festival - Oct 2

Toys for Tots Festival => July 24

3rd Annual Toys For Tots Festival. More details as the we get closer to the event. More vendors and more raffles, with special guests.

As of now (July 19) here is Christmas in July setlist. (*Subject to change if need be)

• Eventmusicpros
• JohnnyMac Productions
• Run'N Wild Band
• JJ Jones & AJ Hapenny
• Street45band

Event will be CA$H only No Credit Cards at bar!!! ATM inside as well as across the street at Big Y.

% of sales goes to Toys For Tots

Where: The Alumni Restaurant and Bar

For additional updates follow the event on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/256879422661382/

Toys for Tots Festival => July 24 

Falcon Ridge Folk Festival - Saturday, Jul 31, 2021

One day fest - in person or online

Falcon Ridge Folk Fest Sat, Jul 31 View this email in your browser The Falcon Ridge Folk Festival this year is a one day event either in person or online.  Please visit https://falconridgefolk.com/ for tickets and information. Many Circle of Friends favorites will be performing. Please see below. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society.  Please visit http://www.circlefolk.org/  for more information.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - July 18

Sunday July 18th Schedule (Originally the Saturday May 29th lineup) 

(*Please note that Sunday’s event has been moved inside the theater. )

5:00 PM – Kaye Kelly
6:00 PM – Racky Thomas
7:00 PM – Ken DoRosario
8:30 PM – Diane Blue 

Tickets can be purchased online ->  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1458

THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - July 18 

4th of July Celebration - Saturday, July 3 - schedule

Franklin 4th of July Celebration 

Saturday, July 3

12-10 pm: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 12-5PM)

First Annual Franklin Blues Festival: 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm

2-3:15 pm: Padula Trio Plus One (Franklin’s own playing jazz/blues standards

4-6 pm: Slam Allen Band (blues, soul and R&B to deliver a powerful performance)

6-8 pm: Mike Crandall Band featuring Bruce Bears ( blues & swing music)

 

Check July 4th Coalition Facebook page for schedule updates 

https://www.facebook.com/franklin4th/

Visit the July 4th Coalition page to donate and for other information

https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin July 4th Coalition 

carnival rides as they were being set up for the 4th of July Celebration

Franklin's Event Outlook: Jun 25 - July 1, 2021

Farmers Market opens today but not next Friday due to the 4th of July celebration taking over the Town Common beginning Wednesday, June 30. The Zajac Brothers perform at THE BLACK BOX Friday night. Be a Match for Gigi on Saturday.

Friday, June 25

"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)

1:00pm  - Book Sale

2:00pm - Farmers Market

3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services

6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

8:00pm - Zajac Brothers @ THE BLACK BOX

Saturday, June 26
 "Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
9:00am - Be the Match for Gigi
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
8:00pm - Studio Two (fund raiser for HMEA)

Sunday, June 27
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Monday, June 28
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Tuesday, June 29
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
9:00am - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Wednesday, June 30
 "Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
6:00pm - 4th July: carnival rides
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
6:00pm - 4th July: Matt Zajac (solo acustic)
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm - Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!
8:00pm - 4th July: Mo Bounce (funk, soul, R&B party)

Thursday, July 1
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
6:00pm - 4th July: carnival rides
6:00pm - 4th July: Attleboro School of Rock
7:00pm - 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
7:30pm - 4th July: Victory Shot (classic rock)
8:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

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

 

Community Calendar

Franklin's 4th of July schedule

Franklin 4th of July Celebration

Wednesday, June 30

6-10 pm: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 6-10PM)

6-7 pm: Matt Zajac (solo acoustic)

8-10 pm: Mo Bounce (Funk, Soul, R&B party band)

 

Thursday, July 1

6-10 pm: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 6-10PM)

6-7 pm: Attleboro School of Rock (building musical proficiency through innovation)

7:30-10 pm: Victory Shot (classic rock with a combination of creativity, skills and energy)

 

Friday, July 2

6-10 pm: Rides and food booths open

8-10 pm: Duppy Conquerors (testimonial to Bob Marley’s spirit and his music)

Saturday, July 3

12-10 pm: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 12-5PM)

First Annual Franklin Blues Festival: 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm

2-3:15 pm: Padula Trio Plus One (Franklin’s own playing jazz/blues standards

4-6 pm: Slam Allen Band (blues, soul and R&B to deliver a powerful performance)

6-8 pm: Mike Crandall Band featuring Bruce Bears ( blues & swing music)

Sunday, July 4

12-5 pm: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 12-5PM)

12-1 pm: Michael Rivelis (solo acoustic)

1:30-3 pm: Granite Brass (bringing spirited music to those who served our country)

3:30-4:30 pm: Jamie Barrett (solo acoustic)

 

Check July 4th Coalition Facebook page for schedule updates 

https://www.facebook.com/franklin4th/

Visit the July 4th Coalition page to donate and for other information

https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin July 4th Coalition 

Franklin's 4th of July schedule

Library of Congress: 2021 National Book Festival - September 2021

Create your National Book Festival Experience over 10 Days in Multiple Formats The 2021 Library of Congress National Book Festival will invite audiences to create their own festival experiences from programs in a range of formats and an expanded schedule over 10 days from Sept. 17 through Sept. 26. The spectacular lineup includes authors, poets and illustrators from America and around the world. Subscribe to the festival blog here for updates on plans for the festival. Click here for more information  https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-21-027/create-your-national-book-festival-experience-over-10-days-in-multiple-formats/2021-06-07/

4th of July Celebration: Blues Festival on Saturday

"We having a Blues Festival as part of the July 4th Celebrations. We have a fantastic line up. Hope to see you there."

Shared from Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/617169295112185/posts/1949899391839162/

 

For more about the 4th of July Celebration events visit them online at

https://www.franklin4th.com/

 

 

4th of July Celebration: Blues Festival  on Saturday

 

FM #532 - Franklin Cultural District ArtWALK Celebration - 05/03/21 (audio)

FM #532 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 532 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Nancy Schoen, Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the upcoming ArtWALK Celebration "Escape to the Arts" scheduled for June 11, 12 and 13. Some events will take place on the Town Common, at THE BLACK BOX, and the Historical Museum. The ArtWALK Celebration will take place in and around the Cultural District.

The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Nancy.   Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/507a3ae7-5beb-4cda-b25d-08dffb1d186b

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ArtWALK - event page -> https://www.franklinculture.org/home/pages/franklin-artwalk-celebration-escape-arts 

Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/  

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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   Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news/

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!

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

 Escape to the Arts - Jun 11-13, 2021

Franklin Downtown Partnership Coordinating the 2021 Harvest Festival - Oct 2, 2021

The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) is forging ahead with planning the 2021 Harvest Festival based on the decrease in COVID-19 cases and the planned widespread vaccination by the fall. The FDP is optimistic that the town can resume its Harvest Festival this year on Saturday, Oct. 2 with a rain date of Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021.

Held every autumn, with the exception of last year, the Harvest Festival draws thousands of people to the closed-off streets of downtown Franklin to enjoy community, entertainment, food, art, kids activities, and more. 

“With recent developments with increased vaccine accessibility, a number of FDP members and people throughout the community are seeing some light ahead,” said Scott Martin, president of the Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Board. “Knowing how we all want to be together again, and how much people want to return to the kind of events that bring our community together, our FDP will move forward with planning our Harvest Festival for the first Saturday in October.”

The Strawberry Stroll, normally held in June, has been canceled for 2021 but the FDP is looking forward to hosting it again in 2022!

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area.  https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

 

Planning underway for Franklin Harvest Festival - Oct 2

Boston Globe: Black History Month - Film Festival

"At this pivotal moment in our nation's history, The Boston Globe honors films and filmmakers documenting the Black experience and the continued plight of systemic racism in the United States. Join us throughout the month of February to view and discuss newly-released films alongside time-honored classics. "

Find the schedule of films for the festival here (subscription may be required)
https://blackhistorymonthfilmfestival.splashthat.com/ 

Boston Globe: Black History Month - Film Festival

Franklin Downtown Partnership Plans 2021 Harvest Festival

The Board of Directors of the Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) has voted on the date for the 2021 Harvest Festival, a family fun, community event. It will be the first weekend in October: Saturday, October 2 with a rain date of Sunday, October 3. This is subject to change, but the FDP is optimistic and hopeful that by October, it will be able to have a huge Franklin event.

“The Franklin Downtown Partnership has worked hard throughout 2020 to support our members and local businesses with our Keep it Local and Light Up Downtown Franklin initiatives, and we’re proud that we’ve been able to promote businesses without being able to stage our signature Strawberry Stroll and Harvest Festival events,” said Scott Martin, president of the FDP Board of Directors. “With recent developments with the vaccine providing some hope for the spring and summer next year, a number of FDP members and people throughout the community are seeing some light ahead, even if it feels a long way off, and they are asking us when the Harvest Festival will be. Knowing how we all want to be together again, and how much people want to return to the kind of events that brought our community together, our FDP will move forward with planning our Harvest Festival for the first Saturday in October.”

The status of the Strawberry Stroll, normally held in June, is to be determined based on COVID-19 circumstances.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 300 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area.

For more about the Downtown Partnership visit    https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/
 

Franklin Downtown Partnership Plans 2021 Harvest Festival

2020 National Book Festival Highlights: Mo Willems

 

"Mo Willems, he of the wildly popular books for young people like the Pigeon series and Elephant & Piggie Biggie series, thinks the kids are all right.

“I think the kids are fine. I really do,” he said to Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in an exclusive video interview. I think it’s us, the old people, that need some help, that need to stop and look and listen to these ambassadors, these ambassadors of exploration, of creativity, of asking questions.”

The three-time Caldecott Medal winner spoke about his creative process and the “idea garden” of random doodles that inspires his stories and art. He launched his recent books, “An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3” (Hyperion) and “Unlimited Squirrels: I Want to Sleep Under the Stars” (Hyperion), at the 2020 National Book Festival."

Continue reading the article online

https://blogs.loc.gov/national-book-festival/2020/11/2020-national-book-festival-highlights-mo-willems/

 

couRAEgeous Pumpkin Festival - Oct 24, 2020

Visit Fairmount Farm on Monday, buy and paint a pumpkin to join in the festival

Fairmount Farm  http://www.fairmountfruit.com/

couRAEgeous Pumpkin Festival - Oct 24, 2020

Hat tip to Mr Hanna for sharing this  @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS https://t.co/pKGrGOdA0e

Harvest Festival 2020 Canceled - New Initiatives Coming Soon

Due to the ongoing pandemic and its social distancing guidelines, the board of the Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) has canceled this year’s Harvest Festival originally scheduled for Oct. 3. Instead, the FDP is planning to have smaller events during the holiday season to encourage residents to shop downtown Franklin.

“These are challenging times for our local businesses,” said Lisa Piana, executive director of the FDP. “We are eager to help those businesses in whatever way we can. We have a list of exciting new initiatives for the coming fall and holiday season including our Holiday Happenings.”

On its website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, the FDP has a list of local business updates so residents can easily access information about those businesses, such as which ones are offering outside dining, curbside pick-up and gift certificates. Businesses who would like to be included in that list can email the FDP office at downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com. 

“We encourage residents to support Franklin businesses and to shop local whenever possible,” Piana added. 

The next general meeting of the FDP will be Thurs., Sept. 10 at 8:30 AM. Anyone interested in joining the Zoom meeting is welcome. Please email the Partnership for sign-in information. 

To help fund Holiday Happenings, as well as other fall and winter projects, the FDP is seeking sponsorships. Please contact the FDP for specific sponsorship information. 

Residents can support the Partnership and our local businesses by becoming FDP resident members for only $25. Membership is tax deductible. Join online through the Partnership’s website. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of nearly 300 businesses, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Visit www.franklindowntownpartnership.org for more information. 

Harvest Festival 2020 Canceled - New Initiatives Coming Soon

Franklin Downtown Partnership 2020 Calendar of events

Time to set some events on the calendar as we get closer to 2020. Here is the Franklin Downtown Partnership listing of the major events (Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival) and minor events (general meetings, networking breakfasts, etc.) to put on your planning calendar.

Residents can join the Partnership for only $25/year, students and senior citizens for only $15/year. For more about the Downtown Partnership, visit their web page  https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Franklin Downtown Partnership 2020 Calendar of events

Disclosure: I am proud to be a member of the Downtown Partnership since 2010

Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Largest Harvest Festival - October 5

More than 160 vendors, crafters, exhibitors and groups will participate in this celebration of the arrival of autumn! The festival will take place on Main Street, Dean Avenue, West Central Street, Depot Street, and the large parking area be- hind Rockland Bank. Dean Bank will be selling cider doughnuts and warm cider, with proceeds supporting Partnership events, in front of the bank. 

“The Harvest Festival is our opportunity to invite people to gather in downtown and have fun experiencing the local businesses throughout our community that are unique to this area,” said Scott Martin, president of the Franklin Downtown Partnership and event chairperson. “The mix of activities and entertainment we have for this year’s festival will make this community event special for all ages, while showcasing the wonderful shopping and dining opportunities in downtown.” 

There will be an abundance of entertainment at the Harvest Festival. Dean Bank will host Dancing on Dean, featuring the bands Ben Gardner’s Boat and The Noyz. Other entertainment includes fashion shows by Dynasty Models and Talent, performances by Feet in Motion Dance Studio at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM, and live broadcasting by MyFM 101.3. 

During the Harvest Festival, the Franklin Historical Museum will be open and serving seasonal favorites. The Franklin Art Association will host “Autumn Splendor,” a fine art painting and photography exhibit in the Rockland Trust building next to the bank. Attendees may vote for a “People’s Choice” award. 

The Children’s Area, located in the parking lot behind Rockland Trust, will feature a petting zoo and Ruby’s Ice Cream Truck. Additionally, the Franklin Fire Department will host its always-popular Touch-a-Truck event, and Bobo the Clown will be creating balloon animals.
During the Harvest Festival, Main Street, and portions of Dean and Depot Streets, will be closed to vehicular traffic. 

“We fully expect this year’s event to be our largest-ever Harvest Festival. This year, we have more vendors, a wider variety of foods and an Oktoberfest celebration,” said Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana. “As always, we have lots of live entertainment lined for this fun, family event. We thank our local sponsors who make this event possible!” 

Silver sponsors for the Harvest Festival are Dean Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust. 

Bronze sponsors are Atria - Franklin, Arcadia Dental, Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill, Bernon Family Branch YMCA, Chestnut Dental, DCU, Dynasty Models and Talent, Fenton Financial Group, Franklin Ford, Franklin Cultural District, Glen Meadows Apartments, Keefe Insurance, and LaCantina Winery. 

Friends sponsors are Bank of America, Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Cam- ford Property Group, Charles River Bank, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Encore Mu- sic Academy & Recording Studios, Franklin Glass Company, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Mint Dental of Franklin, MyFM 101.3, Rescom Exteriors, and Simon’s Furniture. 

Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Largest Harvest Festival - October 5

Franklin Art Association:"Autumn Splendor" Fall Art Exhibition on October 5, 2019

The Franklin Art Association is proud to present our membership's fine art painting and photography exhibition, "Autumn Splendor" on October 5, 2019. Held in conjunction with the Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival, the art exhibition will take place from 12 noon to 6 PM in the Rockland Trust Annex, 44 Main Street, Franklin, Massachusetts. Rain date for the exhibition and the Harvest Festival is Sunday, October 6, 2019.

The FAA's Fall Art Exhibition includes works in oil, acrylic, water media, photography, pastel, and mixed media. In addition to the exhibited works, small works and unframed art will be available for purchase. There will also be a pop-up tent outdoors in front of the building with original art on display for sale.

Attendees may vote for a "People's Choice" award.

For more information about the FAA, go to www.franklinart.org

Franklin Art Association:"Autumn Splendor" Fall Art Exhibition

Adult volunteers needed for the Harvest Festival - Oct 5

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is looking for some adult volunteers to help the Harvest Festival, October 5, 2019 from 12 to 5 PM. They are in need of help especially for set up and break down of the Festival.

If you can help, please contact Roberta Trahan via Email at trahanroberta@gmail.com

Adult volunteers needed for the Harvest Festival - Oct 5

For more information on the Festival, visit the Downtown Partnership page
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org