It
has been many decades since a hay wagon was regularly spotted on Main Street in
downtown Franklin, but you’ll see that and other sure signs of autumn on
Thursday, October 6, at the Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Stroll.
The
Partnership has added several new attractions to the annual fall event,
including the hayride, two children’s activities areas, more entertainers and
delicious food options. The Stroll runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. rain or shine.
The
Harvest Stroll also gives the Franklin community a chance to celebrate the completion
of the Roadway and Streetscape Improvement project. Main Street will be closed
to vehicle traffic for the Stroll, and the party will continue on West Central
Street and part of East Central Street, too.
“With
this street festival, we invite the community to celebrate the many positive
advances in downtown Franklin. The Partnership is celebrating its 15-year
anniversary, the downtown revitalization project is nearly complete, and
Franklin is on the cusp of even more positive growth. It’s time for the
community to experience the downtown’s growth first hand,” says Scott Martin,
event co-chair.
The
Stroll will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially mark the
completion of the two-year construction project. Join town administrators,
Franklin Downtown Partnership members and state officials at the top of Main
Street to cheer the beginning of the next phase of revitalization.
From
there, visitors can sample fall-themed foods, watch talented local
entertainers, dance to tunes courtesy of Music Odyssey Productions, discover
shopping specials and learn about helpful community resources at more than 50
vendor booths and store locations.
The
hayride, sponsored by Hillside Nurseries, will operate near the Post Office on
Main Street. The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin will
operate two children’s areas; one in the Century 21 parking lot on Main Street
and the other in THE BLACK BOX parking lot on West Central Street. New
activities that will get the kids moving include a bouncy house and an
inflatable obstacle course.
At
THE BLACK BOX, watch FPAC members perform selected numbers from their upcoming
production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Performances will be inside the theater at
4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Additionally, visitors can enter to win two free
tickets to a “Fiddler” performance of their choice.
Farther
up West Central Street, the Fire Station will hold its popular “Touch-A-Truck” event.
The Franklin Historical Museum will feature entertainment and a miniature
metals exhibit.
Along
with performances at THE BLACK BOX and the Museum, entertainers will also
perform at Dean Bank and Rockland Trust. Jamie Barrett will sing and strum his
guitar for the crowds at Jane’s Frames, and Stroll-favorite DJ Domenic Cotoia
will entertain crowds in the Century 21 parking lot.
“This
is the type of downtown block party we’ve been anticipating ever since the road
construction project started. We’d like everyone to come see the improvements, enjoy
the new amenities, and get to know new businesses,” says Lisa Piana, FDP Executive
Director. “For 15 years FDP members have worked hard to bring more economic
viability to downtown Franklin and we look forward to showing off the progress
that’s been made so far.”
The
14th annual fall event is made possible by sponsorship of several
local businesses.
Middlesex
Savings Bank and Rockland Trust are Gold Sponsors.
Dean
Bank, Franklin Ford and Keefe Insurance are Silver Sponsors.
Beaux
Regards Photographic Art by Marjorie Sardella, Chestnut Dental, Digital Federal
Credit Union, Michael Dunsky, Branch Manager
Guaranteed Rate, Inc., and Hillside Nurseries are Bronze Sponsors.
D.G.
Ranieri Real Estate, Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center, Maven Hair
Company, Rescom Exteriors, Simon’s Furniture, The Franklin Historical Museum
and Tom Fricker Heating & A/C, Inc. are Friends Sponsors.
The
Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating its 15th year as a
non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of businesses, residents and community
leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership runs events
such as the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and
is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture
projects. New members are always welcome. Learn more at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.
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