Monday, June 1, 2015

2015 Strawberry Stroll Press Release


The Franklin Downtown Partnership will serve up sweet, juicy, whipped cream-topped strawberry shortcakes at the 13th annual Franklin Strawberry Stroll on Thursday, June 11. The event will happen throughout downtown Franklin from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine.

“The Strawberry Stroll was the first event the Downtown Partnership organized to bring the community together in the heart of downtown. In the past 13 years the event has grown but our mission has stayed the same – to give people a fun way to meet up with friends, discover new downtown businesses and create more engagement,” says Nicole Fortier, event chairperson.

“Especially this year we want to remind everyone to visit, shop and dine out downtown because of the road construction project. We won’t let a little roadwork get in the way of a good party,” she added.

Volunteers will slice up more than 160 quarts of ripe strawberries to top nearly 700 shortcakes. Dozens of cases of whipped cream will top off the Stroll’s signature desserts, which will be served up outside Dean Bank on Main Street.

More than 25 local businesses have strawberry or spring-themed specials, food items, giveaways, face painting and kids’ activities planned for the afternoon. For example, the Historical Museum invites visitors to browse the Horace Mann exhibit while enjoying punch and cookies.

A complete list of happenings will be available at the Stroll and on the FDP website, franklindowntownpartnership.org, and its Facebook page.

Along with sweet treats and activities, the Stroll promises great local entertainment. Music Odyssey Productions DJ Domenic Cotoia will entertain crowds browsing the booths in the Main Street parking lot. Jane’s Frames is sponsoring Jamie Barrett with his guitar, and a talented lineup of Franklin High School musicians will perform at The Cake Bar. Kevin Wolfe is set to perform at Pisini Shoes.

Generous sponsors make the Strawberry Stroll possible. The Platinum Sponsor for his event is Dean Bank. Gold Sponsors are Dean College and SolarFlair, and the Silver Sponsor is DCU. Bronze Sponsors include Chestnut Dental Associates, Franklin Ford, Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center, Keefe Insurance Agency, Middlesex Savings Bank and The Estate at Franklin. Friends of the Festival Sponsors are Garelick Farms, Jane’s Frames, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Nexamp and Simon’s Furniture.


Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this popular event. If interested, contact FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working together to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. The FDP runs the annual Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival and Holiday Stroll, and is involved in economic development, beautification, streetscape and greenspace design, and networking initiatives. The FDP currently has over 200 members and welcomes all businesses and residents. For more information, go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.