All New October Stroll Thursday, October 15, in Downtown
Franklin:
Pumpkin Decorating,
Entertainment, Crafts, Activities Planned
It
has been said that fall is the best time of year in New England, and the
Franklin Downtown Partnership plans to celebrate autumn in downtown Franklin with
the October Stroll on Thursday, October 15, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The
October Stroll was created after organizers postponed the Harvest Festival this
year because of downtown streetscape construction. Festival organizers embraced
the opportunity to bring the community together to enjoy a pumpkin decorating
contest, crafts, entertainers, seasonal treats and other activities on a
smaller, more intimate scale.
“Our
shops are open, groups and businesses want to connect with residents in
Franklin and surrounding communities, and we are excited to offer some fun
activities in many locations around our downtown,” says Nicole Fortier, Franklin
Downtown Partnership president.
Many
activities are planned for the kids. Dean Bank will be giving out pumpkins
along with decorating kits to children at its 21 Main Street location.
The Hockomock
Area YMCA Bernon Family Branch will create a kids’ sports center in the parking
area behind Rockland Trust. It will be the ideal place for children to burn off
extra energy while trying out games and learning new sports skills.
Music
and entertainment are planned for seven different venues, including Dean Bank,
Rockland Trust, the Main Street parking lot, Jane’s Frames, The Cake Bar,
Simon’s Furniture and The Black Box.
Jamie
Barrett is scheduled to perform at Jane’s Frames, and Kevin Wolfe will entertain
visitors on Main Street. Franklin High School student musicians will perform at
The Cake Bar and Dean Bank. Go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org for details about performance times as
they are finalized.
The Franklin Performing Arts Company will present a preview of
“The Addams Family” at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West
Central Street. Stop in between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and take a photo with a
costumed cast member from this production, based loosely on the 1960s TV show.
DJ
Domenic Cotoia of Music Odyssey Productions will entertain crowds browsing
booths in the parking lot on Main Street, and WMRC 1490-AM will broadcast live
from the event.
Downtown
stores and restaurants will offer specials and fall-themed treats at their
locations. Make time for cider and cookies at the Franklin Historical Museum
and take a tour of the latest displays.
Local
businesses, crafters and groups will have booths at Simon’s Furniture on Summer
Street and the patio on East Central Street. More vendor booths will be found
along Sponsorship Row in the Main Street parking lot.
Gold
Sponsors for the October Stroll are Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust. Silver
Sponsors are Dean Bank, DCU, Franklin Ford and The Estate at Franklin.
The Bronze
Sponsors are Chestnut Dental Associates and Keefe Insurance. Friends of the
Stroll Sponsors are Alumni Restaurant, Beaux Regards Photographic Art by
Marjorie Sardella, Crossway Church, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Jane’s Frames,
Nexamp, Next Step Living, The Franklin Historical Museum and WMRC.
The
Franklin Downtown Partnership is 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 and the
Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace
and sculpture projects. Go to the www.franklindowntownpartnership.org to learn more.
