Franklin on the Fourth Festival Slated for Monday, July 4 in Downtown Franklin
FRANKLIN, TN, June 27, 2011 – Franklin on the Fourth (FOT4), a home town, patriotic festival will celebrate its 15th year in Downtown Franklin again this year. The fun begins at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 4 and features more live entertainment, an expanded children’s area, community bands, and a spectacular fireworks display. The evening’s highlight will be a free concert featuring The Retro Specs, slated to begin on the City Square at 6:30 pm.
Hosted by the Franklin Lions Club and the City of Franklin, the festival features a patriotic costumed Children’s Parade for ages 0 to 13. Registration to participate will be held in front of the Franklin Theatre from 3:00pm – 3:50 pm. The parade begins its march down Main Street at 4:00 pm. Children may also ride decorated non-motorized vehicles in the parade. Best costume prizes will be awarded in each age group.
The festival also features free music and entertainment from 2 stages, a petting zoo, bungee jump, a rock climbing wall, and more. Antique cars will be on display on Main Street towards 4th Avenue. Food and craft vendors will line lower Main Street and circle the City Square.
The Retro Specs highlight the evening festivities with a free concert on the City Square beginning at 6:30 pm. The band of 12 members was formed in 1998 when Disney World came calling with a request for a band to promote a new venue at the park. The band has branched out from their Disney World days to now giving performances around the country. The band now totals 14 talented and professional musicians who perform music from the days of Donna Summer to the Black Eyed Peas of today.
The festivities culminate with a spectacular fireworks display which festival-goers can view from the Park at Harlinsdale among other locations.
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm will open at 6 p.m. on July 4th to provide a special viewing place for the Fourth of July fireworks show, sponsored by WAKM and the City of Franklin. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to view the show. The fireworks are expected to begin at approximately 9:00 p.m.
In order to prepare for the large number of visitors to the fireworks viewing, the entire Park at Harlinsdale Farm, including the K-9 Korral Dog Park, will be closed to patrons from Sunday (July 3rd) at dusk to Monday (July 4th) at 6 p.m. Visitors will be able to enter from either entrance to the Park and City staff will be present to assist with parking. Port-a-potties will be available at the Park.
No alcohol is allowed in City Parks. Fireworks and sparklers are illegal within Franklin City limits and are strictly prohibited in City Parks.
For information on the Fireworks, tune in to WAKM AM-950 or call the Parks Department Event hotline at 615-550-6947.
Costs of the event on the Square are being covered by sponsorships from community-minded businesses with the support of the City of Franklin and the Franklin Lions Club. Presenting sponsors are Vulcan Materials, Williamson Medical Center, WAKM Radio, Lenscrafters, Atmos Energy, Franklin Synergy Bank, Green Bank, TN Commerce Bank, The Factory and Healthways, inc.
The Franklin Lions Club, the oldest civic club in Franklin, has over 50 active members and meets every Tuesday at noon at the Cool Springs Golden Corral restaurant. For more information or to get involved with the Franklin Lions Club, please contact Jim Chapman, membership director, at 615-794-3048 or visit the website at www.franklinlionsclub.com.
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