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The blues and maybe the barbecue sauce, fended off the rain in Franklin

6/15/2025

How is it something called the blues can make so many people happy?

A twelve bar sequence from which an individual or band can transform themselves and the audience into another realm. Notes flattened in pitch hit you between the ribs and for a few moments ... feel.

Add in some smokey barbecue with it and you have the annual Blues & Barbecue Festival in downtown Franklin. The 10th anniversary show was looking shaky weather-wise leading up to the event, but was a success as the rains mostly held off allowing for a very active Bandstand Park for two days.

The festival began as a way to showcase great blues music for this area while raising money that can be used for Venango County music education initiatives. This year the festival doled out $3,000 to Franklin High School's music program and also two individual $2,000 scholarships to a couple of Franklin students pursuing music education degrees in college.

Madi Stewart will be attending Mercyhurst University and Gaby Lederer will be attending Slippery Rock University

This year featured some current heavy hitters in modern blues music like Kat Riggins and her Blues Revival, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers and Selwyn Birchwood who was named the Albert King guitarist of the year and Blues Foundation's 2013 International Blues Challenge top band.

They were joined by some other local and national acts. Max Schang, one of the festival's chief organizers responsible for bringing in the well know blues acts also performed with his band with guest Phil Baron. The Franklin High School concert band performed with choir guests Madolyn Williams and Kendall Fonzo.

The band received a standing ovation by many.

Booby Thompson and the Chosen Few kicked things off Saturday followed by Meadville area Roger Montgomery Blues Band, Colin John and the Long Tall Deb and Johnny Rawls performing Saturday.

Besides the Franklin band and Riggins, The Jason Born Trio and Blues attack performed getting people up on their feet dancing in the aftyernoon.

This weekend also marked the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, Flag day and Father's Day, which was mentioned many times on Sunday at the festival.

Event organizers said the weekend was successful and they raised enough to keep it going another year.

So the organizers will be looking for good ways to help local music students and program needs in the future.

Windy "Glow" kicks off Thurston Classic

6/12/2025

The wind wreaked a little havoc on the kickoff event for the annual Thurston Classic Hot-Air Balloon Event. The tethered balloon handlers basically did a dance of sorts being tossed around as they tried to keep the giant inflatables from crashing in to one another.

But the hundreds of people attending still got a show getting to see these seven story tall colorful bags of hot air rise, and once the sun was down, glow.

At times it took the entire crew and others to keep the balloons upright.

The crowd was still audibly ooh-ing and ahh-ing when they lit up the dark Robertson Field at Allegheny College.

It appeared to be a fun night for all.

Even the crews working very hard to control the beasts in the wind could be heard laughing and joking with one another.

Firestorm and Go-Devils looking for Kevin Porter Memorial trophies.

6/7/2025

More photos to come, The tournament is on all weekend up at Miller-Sibley. It's a good time to eat some concession food and support a youth activity.

Rocky Grove graduates 64 with indoor ceremony

6/5/2025

To view more photos please visit: sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p596342043

To view more photos please visit: sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p596342043

PHOTOS: Over 130 Knights ascend unto the world with degree in hand

6/1/2025

See more photos at sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p71252249

Mother Nature was a Franklin Knight Sunday evening providing a beautiful cool. but not cold spring graduation evening.

132 diplomas were handed out in the ceremony at the football stadium.

A special dedication was given to Madison Johnson who died a few years back in an accident. This was her class.

The Madrigal singers performed prior to the procession of seniors. The senior Madrigals performed twice including the national anthem.

Valedictorian Olivia Tawney told of her tough senior year dealing with health issues as she encouraged her fellow classmates to live life to the fullest.

Salutatorian Abigail Boland addressed her fellow students about their time together and the future.

Gabriel Taylor sang "I want you to have it all and senior class president Sophia Rondinelli opened the creepy introducing the class to the stadium filled with guests.

Dr. Eugene Thomas accepted the class and presented the class to school board president Sabrina Backer who kicked off the handing out of the diplomas.

Mortar boards and tassels flew.

Congratulation the class of 2025.

See more photos at sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p71252249

PHOTOS: Memorial Day

5/28/2025

Deer and flowers

5/28/2025

Spring is trying

4/4/2025

Every season has its own vibe. Spring in these parts always seems to start and then reboot. That might be the case again as the temperatures are expected to plummet again in a couple days. Perhaps picking these beauties and putting them in a vase inside can made it seem like spring indoors.

The deer are also about again looking for new things to chomp on, though they don't seem to care for forsythia of daffodils.

Franklin choir to be showcased with the state's best

4/3/2025

The Franklin High School chorale group Madrigal has been awarded an opportunity to sing at the annual Pennsylvania Music Educators Associations all-state concert featuring the best the Commonwealth has to offer.

They will be performing April 10 at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Pocono Manor.

As a warm for the big event, choral director Sarah Gilbert and her singers will put on the free public show at 7 p.m. Saturday at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 1145 Buffalo Street in Franklin.

The concert will include all the PMEA performance music plus three solos and duet.

“This will be a sort of preview performance,” said Gilbert who wanted family and community members who are not a part of the conference to see this talented group of singers.

The Madrigal have been around the Franklin community for years. “Its identity has changed throughout the years, but it has always been a small ensemble choir. It’s a very big part of Franklin choir’s tradition,” Gilbert said. “It gives students the opportunity to be in a more advanced choral ensemble as a part of their high school music education. For those singing students that need an additional challenge, this is the perfect place for them.”

Gilbert said the school district has been very supportive of the trip and how it gives these students a bigger stage and spread their music to hundreds more across the state.

“The smaller group size allows for us to commit to being a part of community events throughout the year that would be less possible for our full-size group. We are also more able to travel outside of our own town to represent our community as well,” Gilbert added.

And that is beneficial for these aspiring vocalists by adding more experiences to their oeuvre.

“Students in this group work at an accelerated pace, so their skills are growing at an even faster rate, which makes singing after high school even more possible," Gilbert explained. “They also get to be a part of experiences that are more out of the norm, like singing with the Stambaugh Chorus in Youngstown, at Carnegie Hall, or for the PMEA All-State Conference. The advanced ability of this group in particular and the high level of skill they have allows for these additional opportunities to take place - things that are beyond their normal school choir opportunities.”

Saturday’s concert will be at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 1145 Buffalo Street in Franklin. It is free and open to the public and a great way to support the arts.

The Barrow gets a little high brow with Ludwig Von to Man of La Mancha

3/30/2025

The Venango Symphony Orchestra performed Fidelio Overture (abridged) Op. 72 by Ludwig Von Beethoven to kick off their annual concert Sunday afternoon at the Barrow-Civic Theatre. Under the direction of maestro Terri Wittreich the orchestra made up a scattering of northwest Pennsylvania musicians, they played pieces from Handel, The Man of La Mancha, Verdi, David Holsinger and Ernest Gold.

The orchestra, which is a multi-generational collaboration, survives primarily from donations. They are always looking for new members who can play.

For more information contact anyone from the band and donations can be mailed to 10 Gateway Drive, Oil City, Pa. 16301

Plans for abandoned property in Franklin

3/28/2025

Edited to clarify location being across from Jones Hardwoods on Atlantic Avenue, not Franklin Industries.

The Oil Region Alliance is now the owner of long abandoned property that once housed PVC manufacturer JM Eagle.

Sitting between Atlantic Avenue and Grant Street, the 3.43 acre lot with buildings was purchased on March 18 for $125,000, according to the Venango County government website.

The property is located across the street from the Purple Goose and Jones Hardwoods and next to the Sava-A-Lot/ Family Dollar. Once valued at $1.3 million, it was most recently assessed at $600,020.

With the purchase now complete, the ORA says they plan to clean up and redevelop the area into a "multi-generational outdoor recreation facility." Though their press release (below) sent Thursday does not explain what that means exactly, it seeks to remedy a seemingly long forgotten property and building that was originally builtt in 1975 and has sat unused for 30 years.

Below is the press release in full with photos from Eight & 322

OIL CITY, PA— The Oil Region Alliance (ORA) purchased the JM Eagle brownfield site in
Franklin’s Third Ward last week.

The property at 315 Grant St. has been vacant for about the last 30 years following PVC pipe manufacturer JM Eagle’s move to Cochranton in Crawford County.

“We are excited for this opportunity to clean the site and create a community asset,” said ORA President and CEO John R. Phillips, II.

The ORA plans to develop a multi-generational outdoor recreation facility on the site, which the ORA will own and maintain, according to Phillips.

The ORA is partnering with the City of Franklin and the Franklin Industrial and Commercial Development Authority, as well as funding partners, the McElhatten Foundation and the Beith family.

Late local realtor Richard Beith had been in talks with Phillips about the property’s potential prior to his passing in October 2024. Now his family, including his wife and three children, is taking on the project to preserve his legacy.

“The Beith Family is ecstatic to have the opportunity to work on this project with the ORA, the City of Franklin, the McElhattan Foundation, and the residents of Franklin,” said Beith’s son Matt (Beith), who is also a local realtor. “My father and I spent many afternoons over the last decade talking about ways that this site might be redeveloped into a more productive use. Most of our conversations revolved around finding a buyer who would use the site in its current configuration; over the years, we even had several people approach us about buying it. Unfortunately, no transaction ever came together.”

The ORA had been negotiating the purchase of the JM Eagle site for more than two years,
according to Phillips, but its partners - the City of Franklin and FICDA had been working for a solution for the last 30 years since the plant was known as the Johns Manville plant and
produced asbestos products. Before that the property was part of a refinery site with more than
100 tanks.

A week before my father died, he came to me with this idea to redevelop the site into a recreational green space for the Third Ward,” said Beith. “As is true in real estate, the timing is everything, and my family had the opportunity to pursue this project. Sadly, my father isn’t around to see his idea take shape. But we are dedicated to making his vision a reality and are honored to collaborate with the residents and other partners to create a functional green space in the Third Ward.”

This project will increase property values in the Third Ward and create additional opportunities to connect with and take advantage of French Creek while also serving as a gateway into the city, according to Phillips.

“On behalf of the City of Franklin, I want to sincerely thank the Oil Region Alliance, the McElhattans, and the Beith Family for their dedication and commitment to this important project,” said City of Franklin Mayor Douglas Baker.

“Their leadership and investment in the clean-up of the JM property will have a lasting impact onour community. For too long, this site has been a challenge for the surrounding neighborhood, but with this effort, we are taking meaningful steps toward positive change. We look forward to seeing this site transformed into a true community asset,” Baker said.

Amanda Power, City of Franklin Community and Economic Development Director, echoed the mayor’s thoughts. “The revitalization of the JM property is more than just an environmental clean-up—it’s an investment in Franklin’s future,” Power said.

“This project holds tremendous potential to enhance the quality of life for the residents of the Third Ward. By working with the Oil Region Alliance and our private and non-profit partners, we are turning a long-neglected site into a catalyst for community growth and development. This is a vital step in ensuring Franklin remains a vibrant place to live, work, and do business,” said Power.

This type of project is right up the alley of the McElhattan Foundation, which states a commitment to the “economic prosperity and overall well-being” of the community of Franklin, where their family is rooted, directly on its website.

“The McElhattan Foundation is proud to collaborate with our valued partners—the Oil Region Alliance, the City of Franklin, and the Beith Family—on this transformational project in Franklin’s Third Ward,” said McElhattan Foundation Program Officer Sarah Pistella. “We believe that third spaces and accessible public spaces play a vital role in strengthening social connections, fostering economic mobility, and improving overall health outcomes. By investing in this project, we aim to create a welcoming, inclusive space where residents can gather, connect, and access opportunities. We are excited to see the lasting impact this initiative will have on the community.”

This will be the first project for the ORA within Franklin’s footprint. The non-profit already owns Sandycreek Industrial Park to the south of the city limits. The ORA owns brownfield sites in Oil City and Emlenton in addition to historic properties throughout the Oil Region National Heritage Area, which is comprised of all of Venango County and the southwest corner of Crawford County and managed by the ORA.

“This project is a very impactful brownfield that the ORA is committed to remediate for the benefit of the third ward and a gateway to the city,” Phillips said. “I am so excited to have this strong partnership assembled to work with us to make a better Franklin.”

Getting ready for Franklin High's 95th Broadcast

3/27/2025

Franklin Area High School's annual springtime tradition turns 95 this year. The Broadcast showcase of talent that includes live music performed by students, no recorded music what-so-ever as well as several dance routines.

There are two chances to see this little over an hour long show and to support the young performers who have worked hard to bring this show to life. Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the school's auditorium.

Back on the market

'Rumors' have it - A new Barrow production opens Friday

3/12/2025

Half cooked dinner, absent party hostess, and friend with an injury aren't the usual characteristics of a successful anniversary party, but it makes a humorous start the memorable Neil Simon play "Rumors" opening Friday at the Barrow-Civic Theatre.

We could speculate about what character might be your favorite between Ken, Len and Glenn.

But gossip says it could be Ernie.

The word on the street is that Chris, Cookie, Claire and Cassie know how to keep a party hopping. But the tea might have been spilled before anyone even arrived.

You have six chances to find out the scuttlebutt. There will be performances at 7:30 p.m. March 14, 15, 21 and 22, and 2 p.m. on March 16 and 23. Tickets are available at the box office before each show or online at www.barrowtheatre.org.

A different kind of ice sparkles at Franklin's winter festival

2/8/2025

She said yes.

Oil City native Bryce Rhodes had a plan. In December he began making arrangements to take his girlfriend Hannah McQuade to the annual Franklin on Ice winter festival where he had many fond memories as a kid.

"I thought it would a perfect event where I could invite her to go see the ice sculptures and in the midst of it all, pop the question," Rhodes said.

In his pocket he carried a bit of ice, a diamond ring that he would present to her after they walked around checking out the sculptures. He asked her which one is her favorite hoping to get the perfect location to take a knee.

She said she really liked the lights on the trees and without hesitation he dropped and asked the her to marry him.

When she said yes, a group of people walking by cheered as they watched the couple kiss.

"That just makes this festival even more special," said Franklin events coordinator James Shreffler, upon hearing the news.

Shreffler also said the number of people attending the chilly event was steady all day long with many stopping at sculptures to make their own memories. Perhaps laying the groundwork for future visits with even bigger memories made.

The sculptures, which are sponsored by area businesses and organizations will remain in the Fountain Park as long as the weather allows. Below view even more photos from the event.

Editor's Note: While we love happening upon beautiful moments, like an engagement in the park, we must acknowledge that our presence at this particularly event was prearranged.

Twenty-Five years of youth theater fun and memories

2/7/2025

“Why can’t we do an all kids show?”

It was a simple question 25 years ago when Martha Heise posed it after watching the emotional experience of kids being turned away from a performance arts program.

Hess's lightbulb moment gave birth towhead is now a very successful program that has become a staple of the Franklin Civic Operetta Association's performing arts Oeuvre.

The Youth Theatre Program and its no-cut philosophy celebrates it's quarter of a century of giving young people something to do, train local theater enthusiasts to be actors and stage crew, create memories that last a lifetime - for the kids and the instructors, and keeps local theater in general thriving in the community.

“It creates of our future,” said Brooke Lawrie, theatre board member and youth theatre alumni. “More of our youth start here. Then they get their confidence and fall in love with theater.”

On Thursday night, about 40 kids were working on just that. After five weeks of rehearsing songs, learning dances, memorizing lines, and working out technical cues, they were putting were putting together the finishing touches of this year’s show.

"A Mixed-Up Musical" pays homage to many of the shows that came before by including many of the characters and a few of the popular songs for shows done at the Barrow over the years.

“I was in your shoes 20 years ago. (now) this is my home and it all started with Miss Martha and her team,” Lawrie told the young performers following their final rehearsal.

The same time that Lawrie did her first all-youth show, Kelly Zerbe joined the production team. For two decades, Zerbe has been teaching dances to the kids, many of whom never danced before they stepped foot on the stage.

A few years later Jess Rodriguez came on board to assist with costumes and the tech crew.

“We can finish each other sentences… when it comes to theater,” Heise said of the production team.

Having a good team is the only way to maintain the no-cut audition format that can bring in a varying amount of kids from year to year.

One year there was enough participants to have an entire deck of cards among the ensemble for “Alice and Wonderland.”

About a decade ago, more than hundred kids signed up to do “Jungle Book.”

“We never saw so many sweat suits,” Heise said about the costumes that year. There were so many animal characters Rodriguez had to bring in teenage volunteers to help paint faces, and it took almost two hours to get it done.

Heisse said it is hard to pick a favorite show from the years, but remembers certain affects they were able to pull off to make a scene really jump out here and there. But she could point out memories of being invited to weddings and graduations by her students. Rodrigues toucher her hand to her heart in agreement.

And she points to Barrow regulars including the theater's lighting and technical designer Jim Amaro as reasons that go beyond just giving the kids positive reenforced memories, but as a means of teaching life skills.

Heisse says there is a good amount of talent out there that just needs harnessing and she and her crew are proud they can help.

Many of the youth theater students take on starring roles in their school productions and also landing major parts in community theaters all over the region.

The Barrow's board told the youngsters that they are future of the theater and thanked them for their hard work.

The show is this Saturday from with a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening show at 7:30 p.m.

See more photos below and even more by visiting sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p550931262

See more photos by visiting sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p550931262

Don't forget to visit Buffalo Street Lanes before it closes in a couple months.

Late father's necklace leads to discovery of Hodgkin Lymphoma

1/21/2025

Back in September Abbie Colie was looking through some old photos, remembering her dad, Justin, who died from Huntington’s Disease in 2021.

In one of the photos of her parents, her attention was drawn to a necklace of small shells worn by her dad. She wondered if her mom still had the necklace. After searching, she found it. With permission from her mom, Kristie, Abbie began wearing it. But after awhile Abbie wondered why she couldn’t get the necklace to lay correctly around her neck.

“I noticed it was getting pulled in one direction,” she said. “And that’s when we noticed the lump.”

On Christmas Eve, she had an ultrasound done. “The day after Christmas they sent us back for X-rays and that night the doctors said ‘you need to get to Pittsburgh immediately.’ By 11 p.m. that night, they told us it was cancer,” said Kristie as she choked back tears at the memory.

The Titusville three-sport athlete was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma, a cancer that starts in white blood cells, called lymphocytes, which are a part of the body’s immune system.

The news meant her basketball season was all but over.
But not being part of the team. Monday her “Support Squad,” made up of her teammates, coaches, friends and others celebrated her Senior Night.

It was an earlier date than originally planned so Abbie could be honored before her treatments, which include chemotherapy and what her mom described as ‘aggressive’ immunotherapy, got too intense.

Abbie is the only senior of the Lady Rockets team.
Along with the traditional Senior Night activities, there was a fundraiser with baskets donated by area businesses and community members. It raised around $4,500.

“I was absolutely amazed at the amount of people (who) came out last night to support her. If anyone deserves that support, it's her,” said Titusville basketball coach Sarah Weigle, who helped organize the event.

Weigle also said several gas cards were given to the family to help with their trips back and forth from Pittsburgh, where Abbie’s treatments are administered.

And the support extends beyond the Launch Pad, the Rocket’s gymnasium.

Titusville's opponents Monday night, the Girard Yellow Jackets, also brought a basket. Oil City’s basketball team is planning a fundraiser on February 3 when the Rockets visit.

Within the community, a spaghetti dinner and raffle will be held March 9 at Fat Chad’s Tap and Steakhouse. Tickets for this event can be purchased ahead of time for $10 at Fat Chads or at State Farm Insurance. Takeout options are available that night as well.

The Go Fund Me begun January 10 is near its goal of $20,000 needing just $400 more dollars to get it over the line. "I think this community has been absolutely amazing," Abbie said.

“They have been nothing but extraordinary. The amount of people who have reached out to make sure we’re ok and providing us with all the help they can, it’s been absolutely amazing.”

Her mom agrees. “(Abbie) has always been there for others so it is really nice when it’s her turn (to need help) how others get behind her too. It’s amazing.”

Abbie remains upbeat about her prognosis. She has six months of treatments but isn’t planning on missing out on the sports she loves or helping her teammates however she can. She is looking forward to trying out for a manager position on the softball team.

She is also looking ahead to majoring in health sciences at Duquesne University.

“This has also made me really realize that’s what I want to do is help people, especially the way they are helping me," she said.

And she will continue wearing her dad’s necklace.

“Without that necklace we wouldn’t have noticed,” Kristie said. “It was kinda like her dad is still taking care of her.”

Team, community rally to support Titusville student diagnosed with rare Hodgkin Lymphoma

1/17/2025

Even though the Titusville girls basketball team has struggled on the court this year, over the holiday break those struggles pale in comparison to the news one of their own received. Senior Abbie Colie was diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin Lymphoma, a rare cancer that starts in the white blood cells that are a part of the body’s immune system.

Colie began treatments and isn't expected to play much the rest of the season, so her coaches and teammates decided to show their unwavering support with a special senior night this Monday that will also act as a fundraiser for Colie and her family.

“She recently started treatment and has a long road ahead," says a flyer about the special event. "To support her and her family we are having her senior night on January 20, 2025 at the Titusville High School gymnasium at 6 pm. That night we would also like to have a fundraiser for her and her family. We are asking local businesses to donate a basket to raffle, gas cards, or monetary donations. Anything will help and is greatly appreciated.

"Abbie has been a leader to our Lady Rockets basketball team and has been greatly missed during this time. She is the most selfless person and would do anything for anyone. We want to show up big and pack the gym that night. If you can attend that night, please show your support and wear purple.”

Purple is the color often associated with Hodgkin Lymphoma awareness.

The community is already started stepping up to help in other ways as well.

On March 9 at Fat Chads, a spaghetti dinner and more raffles are planned. Tickets for this event are $10 and can purchased at Fat Chads or State Farm Insurance.

“Abbie Colie is the joy of so many peoples lives. She is a very active person in the community of Titusville,” the Fat Chads fundraiser flyer states. “Abbie participates in volleyball, softball, and basketball, making friends wherever she goes because of her unconditional kindness. She is loved by so many people and that is why it is so important to give a helping hand at this time.”

Also a Go Fund Me (www.gofundme.com/f/v59jk-support-abbies-fight-against-hodgkins-lymphoma?attribution_id=sl:9122c331-8ed8-4c2f-bb25-66cd85b10728&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=messenge) was set up. In just a short time, it has raised over $16,000.

The courage to create is out of this world

1/10/2025

It takes courage.

We do not want to take lightly this sentiment.

Last night we were among a select group of people invited to watch the final dress rehearsal of “Space Cadets.”

Attending dress rehearsals isn’t something new for us. We enjoy an ongoing partnership with the Barrow-Civic Theatre. This has afforded us the opportunity to get sneak peaks for several productions throughout the years since Eight & 322 was founded.

Last night was a little different.

Last night was the first time an audience watched “Space Cadets,” a one-act youth theatre musical written by locals Emilee Weaver (script) and Aoife Salusky (music).

Writing is hard work.

It is more than just sitting down and punching out some words into the computer or jjotting some sentences down on paper.

It takes imagination.

It takes invention.

It takes a little of yourself.

It takes guts.

Sharing that writing with others takes courage to another level. It is opening yourself up to feedback that can lift you up or slam you down.

Does the plot make sense? Will others find the jokes funny? Are the lines cohesive? Is there value in what has been written?

Now take that courage and push it further by asking others to interpret your words in action, on a stage.

You have to trust others to see between the lines to find the intent.

Their interpretation, their understanding will become the audience’s interpretation and understanding.

It's trusting others to understand your soul.

What if it differs from what you envisioned?

Will it be better?

What if it is worse?

And did we mention that everyone involved is very young, mostly teenagers?

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Space Cadet on a sold out run at the Barrow Little Theatre.

More importantly, congratulations to Weaver and Salusky for having the courage to write, the courage to share, and the courage to put their heart and soul out on display for us to share in their creative journey.

To share in their courage.

See more photos from dress rehearsal at sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p556198628

See more photos from dress rehearsal at sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p556198628

Shining sounds in the holiday lights

12/19/2024

Area school's treated family and friends to their holiday music collections to showcase the hard work of the students in the arts. We made it to the Valley Grove school district performance this week.

Smiles abound as Franklin lights up for the holidays

11/24/2024

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.

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.

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.

Congratulations to Franklin and all who worked behind the scenes to make it happen.

Thank you for helping so many lift their holiday spirits and remind us of the wonderful things a small town can accomplish.