"This is the biggest crowd I've ever seen here," Franklin's mayor Doug Baker declared after Saturday night's Light Up Night electric parade.
Along the parade route, spectators were four rows deep or more on both sides of Liberty Street. They were entertained by nearly 60 units including a colorful combination of floats, performance groups and decorated vehicles.
Santa made his highly anticipated appearance at the end of the parade and was greeted by several loud cheers from the hundreds of folks watching near the judging stand.
After the parade was over Pat Dolecki, president of the Franklin Fine Arts Council and interim events and marketing coordinator.said she was glad the parade went well but was ready for the main event of the evening. "'I'm ready for the light up of the tree." she said adding that she has her fingers crossed that it goes off without a hitch and is a nice tree for the people attending.
Along the parade route, spectators were four rows deep or more on both sides of Liberty Street. They were entertained by nearly 60 units including a colorful combination of floats, performance groups and decorated vehicles.
Santa made his highly anticipated appearance at the end of the parade and was greeted by several loud cheers from the hundreds of folks watching near the judging stand.
After the parade was over Pat Dolecki, president of the Franklin Fine Arts Council and interim events and marketing coordinator.said she was glad the parade went well but was ready for the main event of the evening. "'I'm ready for the light up of the tree." she said adding that she has her fingers crossed that it goes off without a hitch and is a nice tree for the people attending.
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Baker led the countdown to the lighting of the big tree in front of the courthouse, which was donated by Dixie McEntire, who was also on hand for the celebration.
Thousands of people gathered near the 12th Street intersection as the street lights went dark and the tree lights came on. It was followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over Fountain Park.
Thousands of people gathered near the 12th Street intersection as the street lights went dark and the tree lights came on. It was followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over Fountain Park.
"In 2023, we lost our greatest resource and dear friend, Ronnie Beith. Her spirit has been with us ever since and we hope we are making her proud," Dolecki posted on Facebook following the holiday kick-off.
Prior to the parade, several holiday-related events were held throughout downtown. HOLeY Jeans gave a short concert to open the Christmas Tree Extravaganza in the Barrow-Civic Theatre lobby. There are 55 trees on display, each decorated by a different agency, business, group or school.
Outside, Santa met with visitors on Liberty Street, and Nathaniel Licht, Rachael Mellor, Tammi Dahl and a few special guests sang at the judge's platform.
Outside, Santa met with visitors on Liberty Street, and Nathaniel Licht, Rachael Mellor, Tammi Dahl and a few special guests sang at the judge's platform.
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| "It's a blessing and an absolute honor for my kind of first event on the staff to be such an amazing Light Up Night," said James Shreffler, the new events and marketing coordinator. "Many hands, many hands make this happen." Light Up Night is only the start of the holiday celebrating in Franklin. Here is a list of some of the upcoming events. The Silver Cornet Band will give its annual Pops Concert at 7:30 p.m. on November 25 at the Barrow-Civic Theatre. The price of admission is a donation of a non-perishable food item. The annual Blues at the Barrow will be held at 7:30 p.m. on November 25 also at the Barrow. The city will hold "A Christmas Walk in the Park in Foutain Park starting December 2. That is the same day as the Old Fashion Christmas event hosted from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. by the Franklin Retail and Business Association. Jeffery Michael Lloyd returns to the Barrow for a performance that night. Community members will join their voices in marking the holiday with performances of "The Messiah" on December 15 and 16 at the Barrow-Civic Theatre. Franklin Preservation is bringing back its annual Holiday Home Tour event on December 16 and 17. It will start at St. John's Episcopal Church, where a holiday market will be set up. The Franklin High School will host its annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. on December 20. In conjunction with the concert, the school's art department will hold a sale and auction to raise funds for the Legacy Project. And, of course, ongoing throughout the season are the Christmas Tree Extravaganza at the Barrow, the beautfully decorated downtown windows, and the Santa mailbox at the Fountain Park gazebo. |       |
  | Light Up Night "Fairy-Tale Christmas" parade winners: Overall Winner: Victory Elementary Division 1: Churches/Schools 1st Central Elementary 2nd Christ United Methodist Church 3rd Venango Technology Center Division 2: Business/Industry/Retail 1st Milestone Pediatric Therapy 2nd Next Step Therapy 3rd King of Spades Landscaping Division 3: Service Organizations 1st Clarion/Venango Dairy Princess 2nd Venango County Suicide Prevention Task Force 3rd Two Mile Run County Park Division 4: Small Vehicles/Walkers 1st Will's Christmas Blow ups 2nd Jeanne-Jamming Jeep 3rd Petersons Pool & Spa |
Below are more scenes from Franklin's Light Up Night.
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