Franklin, TN — Franklin Tennessee's 2012 Fourth of July celebration titled "Franklin On The 4th” is moving from downtown, to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm and will be hosted by the City of Franklin and the Franklin Lions Club. This year's theme, "Franklin's Backyard", will focus on family fun including, music, crafts, a large kid’s zone, petting zoo (including pony rides), and new this year, a hot dog eating contest.
The event is coordinated by The Franklin Lions Club and TN Events in conjunction with the City of Franklin, and benefits The Franklin Lions Club. Starting at 11:00 a.m. the park will be bustling with music, children's activities, food, and crafts, as well as other things to do and see. The Kid's Zone will be filled with things to dazzle the little ones including face painting, the Sponge Bob Bounce House, slides, climbing walls and other inflatables. There will also be an expanded craft vendor section featuring high quality handmade items.
The long standing tradition of the children's parade will continue and begin at 5:30 p.m. Children will begin lining up at a designated marked location at 5:15 p.m. There will be prizes for best costume and decorated bikes and wagons.
“This year's 4th of July promises to be one big backyard picnic celebration,” said Scott Ducaj with the Lions Club. “There will be a great variety of food, plenty of parking, and fantastic family entertainment, not to mention a great view of the fireworks! People will want to arrive early.”
The fireworks are 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.
“We are very pleased to partner with the Lions Club to bring the festivities from downtown, to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm,” said Lisa Clayton, Parks Director. “Now attendees won’t have to leave the concert from Main Street and rush over to the park to see the fireworks, they can simply enjoy their afternoon and evening at the park, and stay put for the sky show.”
No alcohol is allowed in City Parks. Fireworks and sparklers are illegal within Franklin City limits and are strictly prohibited in City Parks. Dogs must be kept on leashes at all time, unless inside the K-9 Korral. Please keep in mind that large crowds, repeated flashing lights and loud noises are likely to have a traumatic effect on your dog, so we recommend leaving pets at home.
At 11:00 a.m. the main gate will be open across from The Factory. After 6:00 pm gates will also open at the North Entrance closer to Mack Hatcher for parking to view the fireworks. Driveway entrances to the park will close at the start of the fireworks and re-open afterward.
For information on the Fireworks, tune in to WAKM AM-950 or call the Parks Department Event hotline at 615-550-6947. You can also go to http://www.tneventinfo.com/fr_4thofjuly.cfm
The following is a list of the day’s activities:
11:00 a.m. Gates Open
2:00 p.m. Stage Opens Live Bluegrass Band
3:00 p.m. Tommy Jackson’s Rocky Top Revue
4:00 p.m. Bye Bye Birdie Cast from Pull Tight Theatre
4:45 p.m. The Zinghoppers Children’s Show
5:30 p.m. The Children’s Parade
6:00 p.m. Franklin’s 1st Annual Hotdog Eating Contest
6:45 p.m. Live From Ventura Boulevard-Pop Rock Band
8:30 p.m. Mr. Jack Daniels Original Silver Coronet Band
9:00 p.m. Fireworks Begin Sponsored by WAKM & City of Franklin
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