The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) is thrilled to be able to bring back its annual Strawberry Stroll this year, after a two-year break due to the pandemic. Enjoy a taste of summer with mouth-watering strawberry shortcakes while enjoying entertainment, fun activities, and more than 90 vendor booths at the annual Strawberry Stroll in downtown Franklin on Friday, June 10 from 4 PM to 8 PM. The rain date is Saturday, June 11 from 4 PM to 8 PM.
"We are excited to hold the first Strawberry Stroll since June of 2019, said Kevin Johnson of Edward Jones and this year’s Strawberry Stroll chair. “This is our opportunity to invite everyone to come together downtown and experience the local businesses. The mix of entertainers, vendors, and activities will make it a special evening for all ages."
Dean Bank’s staff will be serving the signature strawberry shortcakes under the tents in front of the bank. Strawberries donated and cut by Dean College will be piled on top of hundreds of shortcakes and topped with whipped cream. Proceeds from the sale of strawberry shortcakes are allocated to the FDP to help fund the event.
Plenty of entertainment will be available during the Strawberry Stroll. Dean Bank will host Dancing on Dean that will feature the band Scott Brown and the Diplomats from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Dean Avenue and Main Street. MyFM 101.3 will be broadcasting live from the top of Main Street. On the Birchwood Bakery patio, Dom DeBaggis will perform from 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m., Heath Nesbitt will perform.
A variety of activities will be offered that will appeal to young and old. The weekly Farmers’ Market which starts at 2 p.m. will continue until 6 p.m. on the common. Additionally, during the Stroll at 6 p.m., the FDP will unveil the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail which uses ladybug sculptures to tie approximately 25 historical and cultural sites together in downtown Franklin. Visitors can receive their Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail maps at the FDP booth or by visiting the Franklin Historical Museum.
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| Strawberry Stroll on Main St, Franklin June 10 |
The Franklin Art Association (FAA) is having an exhibit during the Strawberry Stroll on June 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Rockland Trust Annex. The show is open to all members of the FAA and is being judged with ribbons awarded for first, second, third place and honorable mention recognition in four categories.
There will also be small works for sale in the show. The FAA will also have a booth on Main Street in front of the Rockland Trust Annex and it will feature a fundraising raffle of donated art and photography to raise funds for the support of FAA ongoing expenses. The tent and display panels and booth supplies were purchased with a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council and Franklin Cultural District.
“FDP’s Strawberry Stroll celebrates all that is downtown Franklin, showcasing businesses, restaurants, organizations, institutions, town government, and culture and the arts. Join the fun and ‘Stroll’ Main Street Franklin on June 10,” said Pandora Carlucci of PGC Associates LLC. Carlucci and Roberta Trahan are vendor relations coordinators for this year’s Strawberry Stroll.
The Strawberry Stroll Committee encourages people in attendance to visit the downtown businesses and restaurants, especially the six new shops: Birchwood Bakery and Kitchen, Briller Boutique, Escape Into Fiction, Greco Design Co., I Have Coins and Collectibles, and Zuzu’s Petals & Cafe.
The Strawberry Stroll is made possible by the support of local sponsors. The event’s Platinum Sponsors are Dean Bank and PhysicianOne Urgent Care. Gold sponsors are Dean College, Middlesex Savings Bank, and Mosquito Mary’s. Silver sponsors are Camford Property Group, Inc., and Fenton Financial Group. Bronze sponsors are Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Grove Street Auto Repair, Keefe Insurance, Mint Dental of Franklin and LeafFilter.
Entertainment is supported in part by grants from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of more than 350 residents, business owners and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail, beautification, streetscape design, greenspace and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.
