2024 A-Wreath-of-Franklin Wrapped!

Thank you + Community Survey

Thank you to all of our volunteers, wreath creators and businesses who participated in making this inaugural event a community effort. "The First Annual A-Wreath-of-Franklin and Holiday Sip, Shop Stroll N Roll was the perfect blend of the arts, the economy, old friends, new friends and the holiday spirit! The fellowship experienced in Franklin was heartwarming and its only the beginning! Look for more event, more people, more activities, more art and more camaraderie in 2025 at the Second Annual "A-Wreath-of-Franklin" and Holiday Sip Shop Stroll N Roll. We would love to have you on the committee! Stay tuned for details!" John Ristaino, Franklin Cultural Council Chair. If you had the opportunity to join us last weekend, let us know what you thought! Click here for our community survey. All feedback will be used to generate more cohesive and festive programming! Have further questions? Or want to get involved? Please email the Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy; Cory Shea.

Community Wreaths will be on display until the first weeks of January 2025. Take a look at our community map to plan your visit! Here's a reel revealing a peek of the community magic leading up to the December 7th A-Wreath-of-Franklin Sip Shop Stroll N Roll Celebration! Pictured above, Dom DeBaggis rocking out at Fiori & Fern.

Special thank you to our award winning program Photographer and Franklin Cultural Council member, Kayla Nisbet for capturing the day! Visit the Franklin Culture's Facebook page to see the entire photo album. Pictured: Our youngest Franklin Community members participating at the Children's Museum of Franklin indoor ice skating rink that popped up at the Franklin United Methodist Church.

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Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US

A Wreath of Franklin winner announced!

The Votes Are In! 

Announcing the Winner of the First-Ever A-Wreath-of-Franklin Community Wreath Contest! 

The Franklin community has spoken, and we’re excited to crown @Grecodesignshop as the fan-favorite wreath designer!  Their festive and creative design stole the show and brought the holiday spirit to life. 

@Grecodesignshop as the fan-favorite wreath designer

Thank you to everyone who voted and celebrated the incredible talent in our community—it’s your enthusiasm that makes events like this so special. 

Stop by all of our wreath locations (map still linked in our profile + website) for the next month to see the winning wreath and enjoy the holiday cheer all of our community wreaths adds to downtown Franklin!

Plus take a moment to fill out our community survey on what we can do to improve the program for next year - share your voice in Franklin’s newest town tradition (also linked in our Instagram profile above as well as on the Wreath-of-Franklin website). 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/15bq1uFHbV/

Reporting by Walking Around: A Wreath of Franklin - Dec 7 (photo essay)

The first "A Wreath of Franklin" was held on Saturday Dec 7, 2024.  I did my walking around to catch a few of the multiple events. My wife and I also came back (via car) to catch the Celtic & Christmas concert at the Library at 3 PM.

The wreaths are scheduled to be on display through December.

The story map of the wreath locations. A screen grab of the map is shown, the link  takes you to the interactive map ->   https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/aaa1de9182414b349cf62a16057b8a89

wreath outside Fire Station #1

Eddie Grant wreath at the Historical Museum

sock skating rink temporarily set up by the Children's Museum of Franklin

display of student art inside the former bookstore set up as a popup shop for the day

display of student art inside 2 the former bookstore set up as a popup shop for the day

wreath crafted by the Rise Up group (I did participate in a segment of the crafting)

A Wreath of Franklin booklet

If you missed picking up the booklet, I have a PDF copy available for download here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/172dz2ZFH_7r7x_LVCtDL5G1yCOztJ-TO/view?usp=drive_link

Of note, the #ThinkFranklinFirst gifts are being revived. An info session will be held at Dean Bank in early 2025. I'll share the info details once I get it.

All the photos can also be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/F7ivkU97yCoCPLHaA

Rise Up: Announcements on wreath voting & party sign up

Rise Up wreath

Good day!!

I have two announcements to share with you today:

1. You can now vote for our Rise Up wreath for the "A Wreath of Franklin" initiative! I'm still not sure where it is hung, but if I find out before tomorrow's event, I'll share it with you. (If you know, please feel free to let me know.)

2. Reminder that our December gathering is an end of year / holiday party! We will have food and drinks available: if you are able to contribute, please sign up here to let us know and not duplicate anything. It's also okay to attend without bringing anything. Your presence is what's most important!

See you on Saturday, December 21st, 10 AM, at the Franklin United Methodist Church 😄

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

A-Wreath-of-Franklin | Stories of the Season - Saturday, Dec 7

The sidewalks and businesses in downtown Franklin are about to come alive with holiday spirit! On Saturday, December 7 from 12 PM to 7 PM. Franklin will host its newest holiday tradition: Franklin’s Sip, Shop, Stroll & Roll. It will be a community event meant for everyone!

Sip: Coffee, teas, hot chocolate, soft drinks and special adult beverages will be available at our downtown cafes, markets and restaurants. 

Shop: Downtown vendors will be open to do your holiday shopping and to idea shop and dream as well. Artisans will be located throughout the downtown shopping area selling their arts and crafts. 

Stroll: Walk along Franklin’s downtown sidewalks now festively arrayed in holiday cheer. Stop into downtown stores, shops, businesses, restaurants and cafes and check out this year’s entries into the A-Wreath-of-Franklin Festival. Wreaths will be hung in many downtown venues. Vote for your favorites. 

Roll: Bring the stroller, wheelchair or carriage. There will be music, arts, holiday cheer and an indoor skating rink (no skates needed) throughout the day and evening." - John Ristaino, Franklin Cultural Council Chair

A-Wreath-of-Franklin | Stories of the Season - Saturday, Dec 7 

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12pm Ringing of the Bells & Kick off to our Festivities!

12-7pm - Popped Up all day at 12 Main Street - Arts Market! Shop for handmade goodies directly from the creators!

12-7pm - Pop Up Franklin Highschool Student Exhibition, 12 Main Street

12pm-2pm | Dean Bank, Cookies & Crafts in their lobby, 21 Main Street

12-4pm | Fiori & Fern 138 E Central St, Wreath Raffle + Live Music Featuring Heath Nisbett 12-1:30pm & Dom DeBaggis 2-3:30pm

12-7pm | The Little Shop of Olive Oils 5 Main St, Raffles and more!

12-7pm | Children’s Museum of Franklin Popped up at Franklin United Methodist Church 82 W Central St. Indoor Skating Rink, Hot Chocolate + Children Museum Swag Sale

12-7pm | Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen 17 E Central St.12-7pm Specialty Cocktails, coffees & Snacks. 12-5pm Live Music. Featuring Franklin Highschool Students Jenny’s Group, Daniel’s Group, Sarah’s Group. Ava, Kavya, Pat and Amelia. Jack & Aida.

12-7pm | Greco Design Co. 6 Main St, Raffles & more!

12-7pm | Applause 36 Main St, Grab a cup of Austrian hot chocolate from 12-7pm and visit with special elf guests from 12-4pm.

12-7pm | Franklin Historical Museum (Special hours), 80 W Central St, Screening at 5pm, " So Proudly We Hail"  The story of the lives of three U.S. Army nurses who leave San Francisco for their tour of duty in Hawaii in December 1941.

12pm- 12AM | Teddy Gallagher’s 30 Main St, Specialty ‘Wreath’ Cocktails

12- 9pm | The Rome 4 E Central St, Specialty Cocktails at The Rome.

12pm-12am | Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub, 30 Main St, Specialty Cocktails, "Cinnamon Apple Wreath Martinis"

1pm | Franklin Public Library 118 Main St, Crafting for kiddos of all ages. They'll have an assortment of winter and holiday themed crafts for all to enjoy!

1-3pm | Franklin Historical Museum, Jazz-infused guitarist, Frank Saccoccio

5pm | The Dean College Vocal Ensemble Popped up by 12 Main Street

7pm | Ringing of the Bells + Voting Concludes wrapping up the evening!

7pm | Franklin United Methodist Church 82 W Central St, Jamie Barrett Performing Community Carols, Cookies & Cocoa.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinculture.org/wreath-franklin

Reminder: Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements - Sat, Dec 7

The Franklin Garden Club will sell decorated holiday wreaths, swags, patio and cemetery boxes, and sleds and skates on Saturday, December 7, from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM at Daddario’s Hardware Store, 528 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.  

In addition, holiday fresh floral arrangements will be sold on Instagram and Facebook beginning December 17. The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma. The sales will benefit several different club activities.  Payment for all purchases can be made with cash, check, or credit card. 

Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements

The fresh wreaths and swags will be decorated in a variety of colors and styles and will include eye-catching bows and other ornamentation. Many will include a variety of greens, as will the patio and cemetery boxes.  Pricing for all items will range from $25 - $40.

Club Co-Presidents Pat Donnelly and Mary Anne Dean stated, “We are very excited to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase beautiful holiday wreaths and arrangements created by members of the Franklin Garden Club. This will help those who may not have the time to decorate their own wreaths or make arrangements, while also assisting the Club." 

All proceeds will benefit Garden Club activities, including the Club scholarship, pine tree seedling program for elementary school students, some of the Franklin Common and library plantings, and education programs open to the public. 

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts. 

Sign Up to Sell your Artwork, Handmade Goodies, and more! at the Pop Up Storefront on Dec 7

Wreath Creator Sign up Extended to 11/27

As if we couldn't make the inaugural A-Wreath-of-Franklin, and its celebration, "Sip, Shop Stroll N Roll' on December 7th any more fun... we did just that! Thank you our newest community partner in this program, Pisini Shoes Inc., for allowing Franklin Arts and Culture to POP UP at 12 Main Street (formerly known as Escape to Fiction) in downtown Franklin. Are you an artist, crafter or small business owner that would like to pop up with us?! Please sign up here! Spots will be first come, first served! There is no fee to participate. Have more questions? Please reach out to the Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Cory Shea (cshea@franklinma.gov) Sip Shop Stroll & Roll on December 7th in Downtown Franklin, 12-7pm. Snow Date December 14th. The "Sip, Shop, Stroll, and Roll" event is the exciting celebration of the 'A-Wreath-of-Franklin' community wreath program, designed to bring people downtown to enjoy the festive atmosphere and vote for their favorite community-made wreaths. This festive day invites the Franklin community to experience the creativity of Franklin with live music, specialty cocktails, raffle prizes, and the chance to shop pop-up artisan goods in local storefronts. It's a day that combines holiday spirit with community pride, offering something for everyone to enjoy in the heart of downtown Franklin! "Sip, Shop, Stroll, and Roll"

A-Wreath-of-Franklin! With over 20 storefronts in downtown Franklin committed to hanging our community wreaths, we're going to extend our deadline to sign up to November 27th (December just crept up)! Local artists, schools, and community members are invited to decorate wreaths in their interpretation of our inaugural theme, "Stories of the Season". Our cultural volunteers will pair community wreaths to be displayed at local businesses throughout the downtown area (December through January). Deadline for community wreath sign up is Now NOVEMBER 27th Click here!     Don't miss the fun!

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Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Have you planned a wreath to tell your "Story of the Season" ??

tell your "Story of the Season"

Local artists, schools, and community members are invited to decorate wreaths in their interpretation of our inaugural theme, "Stories of the Season". Our cultural volunteers will pair community wreaths to be displayed at local businesses throughout the downtown area (December through January).

Deadline for community wreath sign up is November 22nd. Click here ->   https://www.franklinculture.org/wreath-franklin

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Sip Shop Stroll & Roll on December 7th in Downtown Franklin, 12-7pm. Snow Date December 14th.

The "Sip, Shop, Stroll, and Roll" event is the exciting celebration of the 'A-Wreath-of-Franklin' community wreath program, designed to bring people downtown to enjoy the festive atmosphere and vote for their favorite community-made wreaths.

This festive day invites the Franklin community to experience the creativity of Franklin with live music, specialty cocktails, raffle prizes, and the chance to shop pop-up artisan goods in local storefronts.

It's a day that combines holiday spirit with community pride, offering something for everyone to enjoy in the heart of downtown Franklin!

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements

The Franklin Garden Club will sell decorated holiday wreaths, swags, patio and cemetery boxes, and sleds and skates on Saturday, December 7, from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM at Daddario’s Hardware Store, 528 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.  

In addition, holiday fresh floral arrangements will be sold on Instagram and Facebook beginning December 17. The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma. The sales will benefit several different club activities.  Payment for all purchases can be made with cash, check, or credit card. 

The fresh wreaths and swags will be decorated in a variety of colors and styles and will include eye-catching bows and other ornamentation. Many will include a variety of greens, as will the patio and cemetery boxes.  Pricing for all items will range from $25 - $40.

Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements

Club Co-Presidents Pat Donnelly and Mary Anne Dean stated, “We are very excited to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase beautiful holiday wreaths and arrangements created by members of the Franklin Garden Club. This will help those who may not have the time to decorate their own wreaths or make arrangements, while also assisting the Club." 

All proceeds will benefit Garden Club activities, including the Club scholarship, pine tree seedling program for elementary school students, some of the Franklin Common and library plantings, and education programs open to the public. The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.  

Sip, Shop, Stroll & Roll, scheduled for Downtown Franklin on Saturday, December 7 from noon to 7 PM

Celebrate the Inaugural A-Wreath-of-Franklin Program

Introducing a collaborative community Program: A-Wreath-of-Franklin! Brought to you by your Franklin Cultural community volunteers (Franklin Cultural Council and Franklin Cultural District), Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Town of Franklin Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy.

Sip, Shop, Stroll & Roll, scheduled for Downtown Franklin on Saturday, December 7 from noon to 7 PM Sip Shop Stroll & Roll on December 7th in Downtown Franklin, 12-7pm. Snow Date December 14th. The "Sip, Shop, Stroll, and Roll" event is the exciting celebration of the 'A-Wreath-of-Franklin' community wreath program, designed to bring people downtown to enjoy the festive atmosphere and vote for their favorite community-made wreaths. This festive day invites the Franklin community to experience the creativity of Franklin with live music, specialty cocktails, raffle prizes, and the chance to shop pop-up artisan goods in local storefronts. It's a day that combines holiday spirit with community pride, offering something for everyone to enjoy in the heart of downtown Franklin! Interested in being one of the pop up artisans? Please click here for more details!

Local artists, schools, and community members are invited to decorate wreaths in their interpretation of our inaugural theme, "Stories of the Season". Our cultural volunteers will pair community wreaths to be displayed at local businesses throughout the downtown area (December through January). Deadline for community wreath sign up is November 22nd. Click here! On December 7th, 12-7pm, enjoy a "Sip, Shop, Stroll & Roll" event. Community members are welcomed Downtown to vote for their favorite wreaths, shop, eat and enjoy local festivities! Don't miss the fun!

About the Wreaths Just as each wreath is carefully crafted, our traditions and acts of kindness weave together to create a stronger, more united community.  What does our theme, "Stories of the Season" mean to you? Is it celebrating your family heritage? Interpreting a favorite book from your book club? What will your story be? Once the wreaths have been created our volunteers will match the wreath with a local business located in the Downtown/Cultural District area. Wreaths will be placed in windows, with a QR code sign enabling our community to vote for their fan favorite! Need some Wreath decorating inspiration? Check out our Pinterest board! Click here!

Have questions? Please reach out to the Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Cory Shea.

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Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US