The holidays have arrived. And it seems not a moment too soon. 

With Thanksgiving being on the later end of the calendar this year and the weather being unseasonably warm, it seems like the holidays hadn't really hit yet.

But boy, did it ever come in with a bang on Saturday in Franklin. 

The rainy forecast didn't put a damper on the schedule's earliest events at the Barrow-Civic Theatre.

The kiddos did a great job of spreading cheer both through their performances on the stage as part of the youth theatre and with Holey Jeans later in the Christmas tree filled lobby. 
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Over at the First Presbyterian Church, teens from all four Venango public high schools put on a choir concert worthy of the sanctuary full of folks gathered to hear them. 

Along Liberty Street, with crowds gathering for a parade, songs rang out from the judge's stand. 

These musical preludes really set the stage for one of Franklin's most memorable Electric Light parades.

More than 70 "Songs of the Season" entries, some from as far away as Warren and Grove City, demonstrated how this event has become a regional destination for holiday celebrating.

​Many of the larger floats were full of creativity, craftsmanship and merriment that left watchers astonished and delighted. 

The tree lighting, despite the premature lighting mix-up the weekend earlier, still carried a moment of magic as hundreds of voices joined together to countdown from 10. 

And the fireworks that followed were perhaps the greatest show ever done for Franklin's holiday kick off. 
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The cheers that went off as the final firework faded above Fountain Park really echoed between the Liberty Street buildings reinforcing the appreciation thousands were feeling Saturday night.

All that was missing was a little snow, but there's lots of time for that this winter. And plenty of time to visit downtown to make some memories.

The Franklin Fine Arts Council and the City of Franklin have planned their usual Light-Up Night for next Friday, November 23 that will include Santa, songs, the parade with a twist, the lighting of the tree and one of the best firework's displays the area experiences.

This year, Santa will arrive in a different ride than the traditional firetruck, according to Fine Arts Council president Pat Dolecki who said it's a secret, but there will be bells and an olde-timey feel.

​11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cookie Walk at the Franklin Public Library.

11 a.m. and 2 p.m., The Great North Pole Bake-Off youth theatre, Barrow-Civic Theatre.

11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Christmas Tree Extravaganza, Barrow-Civic Theatre.
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3:30 p.m., Venango County chorus festival concert, First Presbyterian Church.

4 to 9 p.m. Food vendors on 12th Street.

4 p.m., HOLeY Jeans concert, Barrow-Civic Theatre lobby.