Many Activities and Booths set for June 9 Strawberry Stroll

The 19th Annual Strawberry Stroll is ready to go. This town favorite is set for Friday, June 9 from 4 p.m. to 8 pm. The rain date is Saturday, June 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 pm. It will be held in downtown Franklin.

Start the summer at this popular event. Take pleasure in delicious strawberry shortcakes, listen to lively music, and have fun with the activities for your kids. The Fire Department and Historical Museum will welcome visitors to see some interesting items. There will be 95 booths displaying the many treats downtown Franklin has to offer. Main Street will be closed for visitors to easily and safely walk.

Dean Bank’s staff will be serving the signature strawberry shortcakes under tents in front of the bank. Fresh strawberries donated and cut by Dean College will top hundreds of shortcakes and be completed with whipped cream. Proceeds from strawberry shortcake sales are allocated to the Downtown Partnership to help fund the event.

Live music will be provided by Heath Nisbett from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Dom DeBaggis from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

The Franklin Fire Department will showcase its trucks and equipment on the front ramp, including an antique ladder truck. Sparky will be giving out plastic red helmets to children.

At the Historical Museum, Greenwich Bay Brass will play music on the front porch, fresh popcorn will be served, and vintage wedding dresses will be displayed.

“The Strawberry Stroll always has a ‘special vibe’ to it because it is one of the first events in town to kick off the summer season,” said Kevin Johnson, this year’s Stroll Chairman. “We ask everyone to come downtown and enjoy strawberry shortcake, live music, great food and drink choices from local restaurants and the many interesting vendors offering goods and services.”

Franklin Downtown Partnership, the organizer of this annual tradition, is grateful for the financial support from community businesses. This year’s stroll is made possible by the support of the following sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor: Middlesex Savings Bank 

Gold Sponsors: Dean Bank, Dean College, Elizabeth’s Bagels, PhysicianOne Urgent Care  

Silver Sponsors: DCU, Elizabeth Grady-Franklin, Fenton Financial Group 

Bronze Sponsors: Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Camford Property Group, Inc., Encore Music Academy & Recording Studios, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, The Enclave of Franklin

Many Activities and Booths set for June 9 Strawberry Stroll

Strawberry Stroll June 9

Put it on your calendar! The Franklin Downtown Partnership is planning its annual Strawberry Stroll, set for Friday, June 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Franklin. The rain date will be Saturday, June 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

The Stroll is a wonderful tradition. This year will continue to feature the very popular strawberry shortcakes supplied by Dean Bank and Dean College. Music will fill the air and more than 95 booths will be lining Main Street.

There are plenty of activities and more shopping opportunities. Visit many of the new stores filling Main Street. They will have their doors open and tables ready to offer food, drinks, books, gifts, games, clothes, and services. 

“We are so excited to be hosting the annual Strawberry Stroll. The event always brings high energy from all participants and patrons and proves to be a fantastic day,” said Kevin Johnson of Edward Jones, and Strawberry Stroll Committee Chairman.

Thank you to the sponsors that make the Strawberry Stroll possible:

Platinum: Middlesex Savings Bank

Gold Sponsors: Dean Bank, Dean College, Elizabeth’s Bagels, PhysicianOne Urgent Care

Silver Sponsors: DCU, Elizabeth Grady-Franklin, Fenton Financial Group 

Bronze Sponsors: Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Camford Property Group, Inc., Encore Music Academy & Recording Studios, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, The Enclave of Franklin

First Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk

The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) is hosting the First Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk. On Saturday, April 15 (rain date April 16), the Partnership invites residents to walk the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail to celebrate spring. 

Stop by the Franklin Historical Museum or Escape Into Fiction for a free trail map and ladybug surprise. The Museum is open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Escape Into Fiction is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m.

The Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail uses ladybug sculptures to tie approximately 25 historical, cultural and business sites together in downtown Franklin. The walk provides an opportunity to view more than 10 art murals painted by members of the Franklin Art Association located in the alleys and the many daffodils that will be popping up along the trail. 

 “The trail is a fun way to explore downtown with the family, enjoying the outdoors and fresh air while tracking down all of the ladybugs,” Mary Olsson said, from Franklin Historical Museum. “Stop into the museum to pick up a trail map, get a ladybug sticker for the kids and an added surprise while supplies last.” Visitors can also check out the Ladybug Corner for fun items in the museum’s gift shop.

The purpose of the Trail is to promote economic development in downtown Franklin by encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy all that Franklin center has to offer by visiting, dining, and shopping at downtown businesses while they walk the trail. Since Franklin was once the leading manufacturer of straw hats, the FDP encourages trail walkers to wear their spring hats.

“The Ladybug Trail Spring Walk is a chance to celebrate spring by walking the Ladybug Trail and enjoying all the wonderful shops and restaurants in downtown center,” said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. “It is another fun way to support our local businesses.”

The town of Franklin has a unique connection with the ladybug. In 1974, Franklin’s John F. Kennedy School second grade students and their teacher, Palma Johnson, petitioned the bill to name the ladybug the state insect and subsequently witnessed it signed into law.  

Members of the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail committee are: Pandora Carlucci, Jane Curran, Melanie Hamblen, Eileen Mason, Mary Olsson, Lisa Piana, Beth Simon, and Roberta Trahan.

Beautification and Strawberry Stroll Sponsors Needed

Sponsors are needed for our Beautification Efforts in addition to the Strawberry Stroll. View the sponsorship form and opportunities.

Strawberry Stroll Registration Open

The Strawberry Stroll will be held Friday June 9 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Rain date is Saturday, June 10, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

Registration is open to 2023 paid members only. If you need a membership invoice or if you are not sure if you paid, please contact the FDP treasurer. The last day to register without a late fee is April 30.

FDP members can register online now.

If you have any questions, please email Vendor Relations Coordinators Pandora Carlucci and Roberta Trahan at fdpevent@gmail.com.

April 6 General Meeting

The next Franklin  Downtown Partnership General Meeting will be held on Thurs., April 6 at 8:30 a.m. Join us in the Dean College Dr. Paula Rooney Student Center on the second floor in the Golder Room.

FDP Evening Networking Event

Join us for the FDP’s After Hours Networking Event on March 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Escape Into Fiction. LaCantina will be there with wine and beer. And everyone will have a chance to see the art gallery and see the new book selection. 

Franklin Downtown Partnership 2023 Events and Meetings

• Strawberry Stroll - Fri., June 9, rain date Sat., June 10
• Harvest Festival - Sat., Sept. 30, rain date Sun., Oct. 1
• FDP Partnership General Meetings - Feb. 2, April 6, June 1, Sept. 7 and Nov. 2
• Spring/Summer Beautification Day -  Sat., May 20
• Autumn/Winter Beautification Day - Sat., Nov. 18

General Meeting Feb. 2

The next Franklin  Downtown Partnership General Meeting will be held on Thurs., Feb. 2 at 8:30 a.m. Join us in the Dean College Dr. Paula Rooney Student Center on the second floor in the Golder Room.