Franklin on the Fourth set for Public Square
By wherald
The 13th annual “Franklin on the Fourth (FOT4)” patriotic celebration of the July 4 offers a full day of activities including expanded children’s area, free live entertainment and plenty of excitement in historic Downtown Franklin.
Hosted by the Franklin Lions Club and the City of Franklin, the event offers hometown activities for all ages. The event hours are 11 a.m. until 9:15 p.m. Channel 2’s “Big Joe” Dubin will be the celebrity host for this year’s event.
The Children’s Patriotic Costumed Parade is once again sponsored by Cadence Bank and is open to children ages 12 and below. Registration is in front of the Franklin Theatre on Main Street starting at 3 p.m. The parade begins at the Five Points Stage at 4 p.m. traveling down Main Street and circling the Square. Rules are simple: patriotic theme for costumes, parents and pets are permitted to accompany children, decorated non-motorized vehicles, such as wagons, bikes, etc. are welcome.
Prizes provided by Cadence Bank will be awarded on the Main Stage for winners in three age groups: ages birth to 4, 5 to 8 and 9 to 12. All registered entrants will receive an arm/wristband entitling them to a goodie bag and an American flag compliments of Cadence Bank, Atmos Energy, Franklin Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Franklin Synergy Bank, KSEM and the Franklin Lions Club. Goodie bags will be given out at the Lions Tent on the Square after the parade.
The “Kid’s Area” will be situated on Third Avenue in front of the City Hall and expanded to the Fifth Third Bank quadrant of the Square. Featured are a variety of large inflatable activities, rock climbing wall, bungee jump, petting zoo, pony rides and more.
Along Main Street from Fifth Avenue to Third Avenue, crafts vendors will set up their unique wares along with business booths and other displays. The food court will be located on 4th Ave as well as some snack items on the square. Great selections of food will be plentiful. There will various drink stands located throughout the festival to combat the expected heat of the day. The Mellow Mushroom, Ben & Jerry’s and most of the other downtown eateries will also be open. The Battlefield Region Antique Automobile Club will have many antique cars on display as well.
The Main Stage on the City Square will commence entertainment at noon and run until about 9:15 p.m. The Main Stage lineup includes: On Call, Cheetah Palomina, Don Winters & Scott Rath, Jessica Miller Band. The Grassland Heights Baptist Church will sing our National Anthem and other Patriotic numbers beginning at 5 p.m. followed by Franklin’s own Fletcher and then headliner KingBilly.
The Five Points Stage runs noon to 5 p.m. The line up of talent includes Soulfaye, Jim & Don, KimMystry, and James & Powell.
The Singer/Songwriter stage on Fourth Avenue will feature numerous local signer/songwriters and will run from noon until 5 p.m.
Blankets or folding chairs are encouraged since seating is not provided. For safety and security, please do not bring fireworks, firearms or coolers.
Costs of the event are being covered by sponsorships from community-minded businesses with the support of the City of Franklin and the Franklin Lions Club. Major supporters include Vulcan Materials, Williamson Medical Center, Cadence Bank, and Nationwide Business Brokerage. Significant support is also provided by Atmos Energy, Franklin Synergy Bank, APH CPAs, La Quinta Inns, Music City Tents & Events, Nashville Predators, Tennessee Commerce Bank, Solar Tek, The Farm at Natchez Trace, Hyatt Place, Amerigos, Creekstone Franklin, U.S. Army, Miles The Auto Spa, Titans Networks, and Graceworks Ministries.
Media sponsors are I Surf Franklin.com, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, VIP Magazine, Williamson Herald, WAKM AM 950 Radio and The Rock FM 105.9 Radio.
KSEM, LLC of Franklin (www.ksemevents.com) is in their fifth year of producing the event. Proceeds from FOT4 benefit the Franklin Lions Club’s local sight conservation charities.
FOT4 is greatly expanded with fun, family-friendly activities that culminate with the WAKM Radio/City of Franklin’s annual 4th of July fireworks display originating near the intersection of Hillsboro Road and Mack Hatcher Parkway.
The fireworks start about 9:30 p.m. but are not readily visible from most locations in the downtown business area. The city of Franklin will open the Park at Harlinsdale Farm for three hours on July 4 to allow for premium viewing of fireworks.
The Children’s Parade sign up will be held in front of the Franklin Cinema at 3 p.m., and the Parade will start in front of the Five Points Stage at 4 p.m.
Franklin on Fourth
Entertainment Schedule
Main Stage Schedule
Noon-1 p.m. - Cheetah Palomina
1-2 p.m. - On Call
2-3 p.m. - Donny Winters and Scott Rath
3-4 p.m. - Jessica Miller Band
4-5 p.m. - Parade and Announcements
5-5:30 p.m. - Grassland Heights Baptist Church
5:30-7 p.m. - Fletcher
7 -9:15 p.m. - KingBilly
Five Points Stage Schedule
Noon-1 p.m. - Soulfaye
1-2 p.m. - Jim & Don
2-3 p.m. - KimMystry
3-4 p.m. - James & Powell
4-5 p.m. - Parade
Posted on: 7/2/2009
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