Monday, November 25, 2019

Holiday Happenings in Franklin!

There are lots of fun events happening in Franklin this holiday season. The Franklin Downtown Partnership has put together this list of our members' events during the holidays.

See the events here, or view them in calendar form here.


Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Holiday Events Newsletter

To help promote our members during the holiday season, the Franklin Downtown Partnership will publish a special holiday newsletter in December that will list all the local FDP business holiday events. 

If your business is holding a special event during the holiday season and you are an FDP member, please complete this online form no later than Nov. 18, 2019. Contact Lisa Daly with any questions.



Monday, November 4, 2019

Share Your Input

The Town of Franklin, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council is conducting a community survey regarding economic development in our town. Please click here to access the survey form. This survey will be available until December 13. There are hard copies available in the town administrators office if needed. Thank you in advance for your input, ideas and feedback!

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Visioning Session Presentation

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council recently hosted an Economic Development Visioning session for the Town of Franklin. View the PowerPoint presentation here.



Monday, October 7, 2019

Celebrating a Very Successful Harvest Festival


The Franklin Downtown Partnership's 17th annual Harvest Festival was the largest one yet! Perfect autumn weather, fun activities, entertainment, a beer garden and much more drew the largest crowd the Harvest Festival has ever seen! Thank you to everyone who participated and a special thanks to the volunteers and sponsors who made this wonderful event possible!

Sponsors of the Harvest Festival:

Silver Sponsors: 
Dean Bank
Middlesex Savings Bank
Rockland Trust

Bronze Sponsors: 
Atria - Franklin
Arcadia Dental
Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill
Bernon Family Branch YMCA
Chestnut Dental
DCU
Dynasty Models and Talent
Fenton Financial Group
Franklin Ford
Franklin Cultural District
Glen Meadow Apartments
Keefe Insurance
LaCantina Winery

Friends Sponsors: 
Bank of America
Beaux Regards Photographic Art
Camford Property Group
Charles River Bank
D.G. Ranieri Real Estate
Encore Music Academy & Recording Studios
Franklin Glass Company
LeafFilter Gutter Protection
Mint Dental of Franklin
MyFM 101.3
Rescom Exteriors
Simon’s Furniture




Wednesday, September 18, 2019

FDP’s Largest Harvest Festival October 5

Nearly 8,000 people are expected to attend the largest-ever Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 5 from noon to 5 p.m.! The Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 17th annual Harvest Festival will be held in downtown Franklin. In case of rain, the Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday, October 6. 

This year’s Harvest Festival will feature great entertainment, kids’ activities, artisans and crafters, fall-themed giveaways, and an expanded food court. The expanded food court will have pizza, Italian sausage and pepper, chicken, burgers, ice cream, and much more. New this year, The BLACK BOX will host an Oktoberfest during Harvest Festival featuring German food and music, as well as wine from LaCantina Winery and beer from As Built Brewing Company, Start Line Brewing Company & Shovel Town Brewery. 


Friday, September 13, 2019

Booth Spaces Sold Out

Registration for the Oct. 5 Harvest Festival has been closed because booth spaces are sold out. Booth spaces may be available at the last minute if any vendors cancel. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for the 2019 Harvest Festival, please email fdpevent@gmail.com and provide your name, business name, email, and cell number.

If you have a restaurant that would like to participate please email fdpevent@gmail.com no later than Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Monday, September 9, 2019

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Harvest Festival Registration is Open

Registration for booth space at the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 17th annual Harvest Festival is now open! The largest annual community event in downtown Franklin, the Harvest Festival will be held Saturday, October 5 from noon to 5 p.m. The event is expected to attract more than 8,000 people!

Plans for the festival are well underway and booth space is filling up fast. Visitors will enjoy local entertainers, delicious dishes from local restaurants, children’s activities, shop specials, a beer/wine tent, artwork and crafts by area artisans, and helpful information from community groups and vendors.

The event will take place on Main, West Central, Dean and Depot Streets in downtown Franklin. The Harvest Festival’s rain date is Sunday, October 6. 

Organizers expect booth spaces for this event to sell out. Booths are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. Franklin Downtown Partnership members receive booth spaces for free; non-members pay $125. Downtown businesses with store fronts must register to reserve space in front of their stores.
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REGISTER HERE


Register before the September 17 deadline. Please add a $35 late fee if you register after September 17. Registration will close on September 20. Email Scott Martin, chair of the Harvest Festival, with questions about the event.


Monday, August 12, 2019

Partnership Prepares for Harvest Festival on October 5


The Franklin Downtown Partnership is making plans for its 17th annual Harvest Festival, a family-fun community event, scheduled for Saturday, October 5.

The Harvest Festival will be held in downtown Franklin from noon to 5 p.m. on Main Street, Dean Avenue, West Central Street, and Depot Street, as well as the large parking area behind Rockland Bank. The event’s rain date is Sunday, October 6. 

Plans for the festival are well underway and booth space is filling up fast. Visitors will be treated to exciting local entertainment, delicious fall flavors from local restaurants, fun kid crafts and activities, shop specials, artwork and crafts by area artisans and helpful information from community groups and vendors. 

Organizers expect booth space for this event to sell out. Partnership members receive a booth for free; non-members pay $125. Downtown businesses must register to ensure store-front space. Booths are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. 

Register for booth spaces here before September 17. Please add a $35 late fee if you register after September 17. Registration will close on September 20. Email Scott Martin, chair of the Harvest Festival, at fdpevent@gmail.com with questions about the event.

The Partnership also welcomes businesses to help support the Harvest Festival. Visit the Sponsorship page on this website or contact the Partnership office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com for more information about sponsorship.

Silver sponsors for the Harvest Festival are Dean Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust.

Bronze sponsors are Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill, the Bernon Family Branch YMCA, Chestnut Dental Associates, DCU, Glen Meadow Apartments, Keefe Insurance.

Friends sponsors are Camford Property Group, Charles River Bank, Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, LeafFilter, MyFM.

Monday, August 5, 2019

Fall Networking Breakfasts

Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or a tasty breakfast with other Franklin Downtown Partnership members at our Networking Breakfasts at the Dean College Dining Center on the first floor of the Campus Center. Upcoming Networking Breakfasts dates are:
Friday, September 20 - 8 a.m.
Friday, October 18 - 8 a.m.
Friday, November 15 - 8 a.m.


Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Save the Date for the Harvest Festival

The Franklin Downtown Partnership will hold the Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 5 in downtown Franklin. In case of rain, the event will take place on Sunday, October 6. 

Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for the event which will feature music, delicious foods, crafts, give-aways, sidewalk sales, and more. For the first time, there will also be beer and wine sold during the Harvest Festival.

On August 15, the Partnership will post a link to register for booth spaces online through the FDP website. Booths are free to Franklin FDP business members and $125 for non-members. Booth spaces are expected to sell-out so businesses are encouraged to sign up in August. Email questions to Event Chair Scott Martin, fdpevent@gmail.com.

“The Harvest Festival is our biggest event of the year,” said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. “We are looking forward to another great event that brings people into our beautiful downtown area.”


Saturday, June 22, 2019

Strawberry Stroll Wrap Up

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and attended the Strawberry Stroll on Friday night! We had an attendance of more than 4,000 people!

We especially appreciate the following who played a major role in the Strawberry Stroll!
  • Dean Bank Branch Manager Jen Hurst and staff for serving thousands of shortcakes
  • Dean College for preparing the biscuits and slicing the strawberries
  • Dean Bank and Michael Carroll for hosting Dancing on Dean
  • Strawberry Stroll Committee Chair Scott Martin
  • Strawberry Stroll Committee members Roberta Trahan, Pandora Carlucci, Bryan Taberner, Beth Simon, and Jen Hurst
  • All the volunteers that came out to help with set up and clean-up
  • Franklin DPW and Police Department
  • Laurel Katsaros from Rockland Trust and Michael Mouhanna from Fourzol, LLC Property Management for use of their parking lots

THANK YOU to the following businesses who sponsored the Strawberry Stroll!
  • Platinum sponsor: Dean Bank
  • Gold sponsor: Dean College
  • Silver sponsors: Atria-Franklin, Camford Property Group, Middlesex Savings Bank
  • Bronze sponsors: 9 Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness, Berry Insurance, Chestnut Dental Associates, DCU, Encore Music Academy & Recording Studios, Fenton Financial Group, Franklin Cultural District Committee, Franklin Ford, Gentle Dental, Glen Meadow Apartments, Keefe Insurance, Mosquito Mary’s, Orangetheory Fitness, Simon's Furniture
  • Friends sponsors: Beaux Regards Original Photographic Art, Feet in Motion, Franklin Central Pizza, Franklin Dental Associates, Garelick Farms, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Renewal by Anderson, Rescom Exteriors

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Strawberry Stroll June 14

The Franklin Downtown Partnership’s annual Strawberry Stroll is scheduled in downtown Franklin on Friday, June 14 and is expected to be the largest Stroll in its 17-year history. Come to the family-fun event and enjoy live bands, sidewalk sales and activities from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Main Street and Dean Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic during the Strawberry Stroll. The rain date is Saturday, June 15.

“The Strawberry Stroll is our opportunity to invite people to come together downtown and have fun experiencing the local businesses throughout our community that are unique to this area,” said Scott Martin, president of the Franklin Downtown Partnership and event chairperson. “The mix of activities, crafters and entertainment we have for this year’s festival will make this community event special for all ages, while showcasing what shopping and dining downtown offers.”

For the first time, the FDP is inviting residents to wear straw hats to the Stroll to honor Franklin’s straw hat manufacturing history!

For the second year in a row, Dean Bank has organized Dancing on Dean, a fun dance party featuring two local bands: Matt Zajac and The Northeast Groove.

Read all the details of the Strawberry Stroll here and view the performance schedule here.



Monday, June 3, 2019

Strawberry Stroll Performance Schedule

Dean Bank Stage:
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Matt Zajac
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - The Northeast Groove

Intermission Patio:

4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - FSPA
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Jamie Barrett
6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - FSPA
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - The Padula Brothers 

In Front of MyFM Remote Station 

5:15 p.m. - Feet in Motion (for 15 minutes)
6 p.m. - Feet in Motion (for 15 minutes)



Friday, May 31, 2019

FDP General Meeting Thursday, June 6

Plan to spend an hour with us tomorrow morning for Franklin Downtown Partnership's general meeting. The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 6 at 8:30 a.m. in the Campanella Board Room of the Dean College Campus Center. 

Meet Partnership members, network with other business owners, and hear updates about the town, state and FDP. If you're concerned you don't have time, remember the meeting only lasts an hour, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. That hour will be well worth your investment of time if you meet a new client, a new customer, make a connection, or learn something new! 

This month, we will have a panel discussion on economic development. It will feature Town of Franklin Planning and Community Development Director Bryan Taberner, Brad Chaffee of Camford Property Group, and Jay Mello of As Built Brewing.

Bryan will give an update on the town's economic development study that will include a market analysis and market position for Downtown Franklin, The Crossing, and the Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District. He will highlight the potential benefits of this study to the businesses and organizations in Franklin.

Brad will follow with a brief update on his residential condo development and opportunities for collaboration and economic development. 

Jay will introduce As Built Brewing to the Partnership and discuss opportunities for collaboration and economic development with this first brewery to open in Franklin.

Please join us!

Thursday, May 30, 2019

General Meeting June 6

The next general meeting of the Franklin Downtown Partnership will be held Thursday, June 6 at 8:30 a.m. Please join us in the Campanella Board Room in the Dean College Campus Center.


Thursday, April 18, 2019

Strawberry Stroll Registration Open


The Franklin Downtown Partnership is organizing the 17th annual Strawberry Stroll, set for Friday, June 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Franklin with a rain date of Saturday, June 15. The Strawberry Stroll is the largest event of the season with more than 100 vendors, food booths, entertainment and activities. The Partnership is excited to announce that Dean Bank is the Platinum Sponsor of the Strawberry Stroll and will once again host Dancing on Dean, featuring two local bands at the corner of Dean Avenue and Main Street.

Businesses, crafters and community groups are all welcome to participate. Booth spaces are free to Partnership members; fees start at $75 for non-members. The deadline to participate in the event without a $25 late fee is May 24. No registrations will be accepted after May 30. To register for a booth space, go to http://bit.ly/strawberrystroll. For questions, please email Strawberry Stroll Chair Scott Martin.


Friday, April 12, 2019

Register for Strawberry Stroll Booth Space

Registration for the 2019 Strawberry Stroll is now open! Booth space is limited. The Strawberry Stroll will be held in downtown Franklin on June 14 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a rain date of June 15. Booth spaces are free to Partnership members prior to May 24; fees start at $75 for non-members. 


Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Beautification Day Scheduled for May 18


Volunteers are needed for the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club's annual Beautification Day in downtown Franklin and the Town Common on Saturday, May 18. 

Community service hours are available to high school sports teams, scout groups and students needing volunteer opportunities. Dozens of volunteers are needed to help plant flowers and greenery on the downtown bridge and in barrels in front of businesses. Volunteers with trucks are also needed to help pick up a few trays of flowers at 7 a.m. at Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St., Franklin.

“Every year, we look forward to spring and planting red, white and blue flowers in Franklin,” said Beautification Day Chairperson Eileen Mason. “The flowers extend a warm welcome to the downtown area to both residents and visitors. Please consider helping us plant on May 18 - many hands make light work.”

Anyone who would like to lend a hand can grab their garden gloves and meet at 8 a.m. in the small commuter parking lot on West Central Street near Central Pizza and Hair Mania. Work is expected to wrap up by 11 a.m., or earlier if there are more volunteers. The event will go on rain or shine. If you can volunteer, please notify us by email.

Sponsors are still needed for Beautification Day. Please email downtown.franklin@yahoo.com to be listed as a sponsor on signs. 


Monday, April 8, 2019

Networking Breakfast April 12

Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or a tasty breakfast with other Franklin Downtown Partnership members at our next Networking Breakfast on Friday, April 12 at 8 a.m. We'll meet at the Dean College Dining Center on the first floor of the Campus Center.

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

General Meeting April 4


Please join us for the next general meeting of the Franklin Downtown Partnership on Thursday, April 4 at 8:30 a.m. We'll meet in the Campanella Board Room of the Dean College Campus Center. Dean College Director of Career Planning and Internships Thea Cerio will give a brief presentation on the internship program at Dean College. 



Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Mural Artists Invited to Participate in Downtown Project

Artists are invited to showcase their work in downtown Franklin! Last year, the Franklin Downtown Partnership began offering opportunities to local artists to paint murals in the alleys throughout downtown Franklin. The Partnership is expanding those opportunities this year.

Artists who are interested in creating pro bono murals should email the Partnership office to request a submission packet. Artists will be asked to submit portfolios and ideas for murals once the committee decides on the theme for each alleyway. Submissions will be juried by the Artist Alley Committee.

Joining the trend toward public art, the Partnership’s goal is to turn the uninviting alleyways into alley galleries. Boarded up windows and rusted doors in those alleys create ideal canvases for painting.


Monday, March 4, 2019

Save the Date! Strawberry Stroll 2019

The FDP is currently organizing the 17th annual Strawberry Stroll, set for Friday, June 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Franklin. The rain date will be Saturday, June 15. Scott Martin will be the new event chair for the Stroll this year.

Crafters, community groups, businesses and entertainers are all welcome to participate. Registration for participation will open in April. Watch the Partnership’s website or Facebook page for details.

During the Stroll, the FDP is partnering with Dean Bank who is hosting “Dancing on Dean” which will feature two local bands on a bandstand at the intersection of Main Street and Dean Avenue. Additionally, there will be more food options, a craft area, and the Franklin Art Association spring art show on Main Street.

For the first time last year, the Strawberry Stroll was held on a Friday night, rather than Thursday. 

“We are holding this year’s Stroll on Friday again and we expect to attract a large crowd like we had last year,” said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana.

Dean Bank will serve up the event’s famous Strawberry Shortcakes. 

Sponsors are needed. See the sponsorship opportunities here. Then complete this form to register your sponsorship!



Thursday, February 21, 2019

Health Connector for Small Business

The Franklin Downtown Partnership, the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce and the New England Business Association present "Health Connector for Small Business: An Informational Session" on Tues., March 5 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Dean College Campus Center, Campanella Board Room.

The Massachusetts Health Connector has a new shopping platform for small business. This new platform brings state-of the-art tools to employers, brokers, and employees, making it easier than ever for small businesses to offer health insurance to their employees. Event participation is complimentary. Online pre-registration is required.



Monday, February 11, 2019

Networking Breakfast on Thursday, February 14


Start your Valentine's Day with a hot cup of coffee or a tasty breakfast with other Franklin Downtown Partnership members at our next Networking Breakfast on Thursday, February 14 at 8 a.m. We'll meet at the Dean College Dining Center on the first floor of the Campus Center. 

We'd love to see even more FDP members take advantage of this networking opportunity! Please email Matt or Gary to let them know you're attending or if you have any questions. 


Tuesday, February 5, 2019

FDP General Meeting Feb. 7

The next general meeting of the Franklin Downtown Partnership is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 7 at 8:30 a.m. Please join us in the Campanella Board Room of the Dean College Campus Center.

Our guest speaker will be Maggie Gundersen of the Franklin Senior Center. She will give a brief presentation on "Dementia Friendly Franklin - How Businesses and FDP Members Can Be Involved." 



Monday, February 4, 2019

Thank You to Holiday Happenings Sponsors

Our December event, Holiday Happenings, was made possible through the generosity of local businesses. Thank you to these sponsors! 

Gold Sponsors: Dean Bank, Dean College and Keefe Insurance.

Silver Sponsors: Berry Insurance, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, DCU, Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.C., Fenton Financial Group, Franklin Ford, Franklin Historical Museum and Cultural District, La Cantina Winery, Matt Kelly Homes, and Middlesex Savings Bank.

Bronze Sponsors: Glen Meadow Apartments, Liberty Tax Service, Rescom Exteriors, Simon’s Furniture, Tom Fricker Complete Heating & Cooling, LLC, and Vallee’s Jewelers.



Friday, February 1, 2019

2019 Calendar

Please note the change in the February Networking Breakfast date.


Monday, January 7, 2019

FDP Events in Early 2019

Please join us for the following Franklin Downtown Partnership Events!

Jan. 25, 2019 - Networking Breakfast in the Dining Hall at Dean College Campus Center, 8 a.m.
Feb. 7, 2019 - FDP General Meeting at Dean College Campus Center, Campanella Room, 8:30 a.m.
Feb. 14, 2019 - Networking Breakfast in the Dining Hall at Dean College Campus Center, 8 a.m.
March 22, 2019 - Networking Breakfast in the Dining Hall at Dean College Campus Center, 8 a.m.
April 12, 2019 - Networking Breakfast in the Dining Hall at Dean College Campus Center, 8 a.m.