by Heidi Hood, Managing Director of
the Downtown Franklin Association

 

The Downtown Franklin Association (a division of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County) is ready for all things fall! As a nationally accredited Main Street America program, the Downtown Franklin Association’s mission is to lead the continued revitalization and purposeful evolution of downtown Franklin – in the context of historic preservation – by maintaining a diverse economic base, promoting a unique local shopping experience, fostering accessible and attractive public spaces, and forging partnerships across all sectors. On behalf of the DFA merchants and business owners, we hope you make visiting beautiful, historic downtown Franklin an essential part of your seasonal plans. 

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s thirty-seventh Annual PumpkinFest took place on Saturday, October 29, 2022. This iconic event boasted a full day of autumn-inspired food and drink, children’s activities, live music, costume contests for pets and families along with outstanding arts and crafts – including seasonal and specialty gift items. In addition, the “Scarecrow Crawl” encouraged guests to visit the businesses throughout the footprint, enjoy discounted shopping, and make memories throughout the day. The “Eaves with Leaves” fall decorating contest winners were also announced, with storefront Hester and Cook taking first place this year!  

 

 

Every November, Small Business Saturday becomes an important weekend on Main Street. Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Its purpose is to support small businesses and celebrate communities across the country. With Black Friday sales the day before, everyone is encouraged to “Shop Small” on November 26^th. The downtown Franklin merchants pull out all the stops to make it worthwhile for guests. Mark your calendar to shop small in downtown Franklin this year! 

To encourage local shopping, the Downtown Franklin Association partners with The Factory at Franklin and the Franklin Transit Authority to provide free transportation with the Hop & Shop Trolley on weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The shuttle is a heated and handicap-accessible transportation for passengers to take into downtown Franklin from The Factory. Running in thirty-minute shifts from 10am–5pm, the festive trolley will be available for guests on November 26^th, December 3^rd, December 10^th and December 17^th. 

Our thirty-seventh annual Dickens of a Christmas festival, presented by Wilson Bank & Trust and produced by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, will recreate the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s charming architecture as the backdrop. A variety of musicians, dancers and Dickens characters will fill the streets. Guests can expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol; and, of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children. This is one of Franklin’s favorite holiday traditions, taking place on December 10^th and 11^th on Main Street this year. We can’t wait to see you there!