Franklin Downtown Partnership Announces 2011 Events
The Franklin Downtown Partnership announces a calendar full of events and festivals for 2011 that includes a Beautification Day this spring, the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Festival and the Holiday Stroll. The Partnership also has set its General Meeting dates for the year and invites all businesses and residents to attend and learn more about what’s happening in and around downtown Franklin.
The Partnership and the Franklin Garden Club will brighten up the downtown center for spring with its annual Downtown Beautification Day on Saturday, May 21. Volunteers are needed to help plant more than 1,200 flowers in downtown center, and community service hours are available for students. Due to the economy, the club is once again reaching out to businesses and residents for donations to help offset the cost of flowers as well as winter decorations. All contributions are tax deductible and greatly appreciated! Contact Eileen Mason at emason11@verizon.net about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities.
The annual Strawberry Stroll is set for Thursday, June 16, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The event’s name change this year reflects the Partnership’s desire to encourage people to stroll through the entire downtown area and enjoy entertainment, a sidewalk sale and, of course, the Partnership’s famous strawberry shortcakes. The FDP is currently looking for sponsors to help with this popular event. Nicole Fortier and Diane Glass are this year’s co-chairs.
The annual Harvest Festival, the Partnership’s largest event, is set for Sunday, October 2. Each year this festival draws more than 4,000 visitors. Angie Grant is the new crafter chair and the co-chair of this year’s festival. More information will be posted on the FDP website in March. Please contact Angie Grant at agrant@middlesexbank.com if you are a new vendor and would like to be put on the registration distribution list.
The third-annual Holiday Stroll is scheduled for Thursday, December 1. Carolers, a visit from Santa, store discounts and refreshments will set a festive holiday mood downtown. Co-chairs for this event are Cindy Kozil and Roberta Trahan.
General Meeting dates are set for March 17, May 19, July 21, September 15 and November 17. These Thursday meetings are held at the Dean College Campus Center at 8:30 a.m. All interested businesses and residents are invited to attend and learn about the Partnership’s efforts and what’s happening in downtown Franklin. The organization now has over 140 members and encourages Franklin businesses and residents to become members. A complete listing of all events, meeting dates, volunteer opportunities and contact information can be found on this website (under the Events tab).
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, the Franklin Downtown Partnership depends on sponsors to fund these events. Any business, organization or resident interested in becoming a sponsor or a member of the Partnership should contact the Executive Director at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774) 571-3109, or visit the downtown office at 9 East Central Street. New members are always welcome!
The Partnership’s mission is to stimulate economic development downtown to create a positive impact throughout the area. Some past FDP projects include the bronze sculpture in front of the Historical Museum, downtown signs, green space and working with town officials on the streetscape project.
