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If there could be a queen of Franklin, Ronnie Beith would be wearing that crown, albeit reluctantly. She refuses to take credit for anything because she knows it takes quite a coordination of many to pull off a great downtown event.
But a whisper in my ear on Saturday in the middle of the Light Up Night parade from the queen herself said it all.
"This is my baby."
She was wearing a mask, but her smile was obvious. Beith loves, loves LOVES Light Up Night and the Christmas season.
The parade, the fireworks, the singers and that tree...... Franklin's tree is a marvel. Only about twenty feet shorter than the one at Rockerfeller Center tree. "With the star this is the tallest one we've had," said commissioner Mike Dulaney who also helped put the lights on the this year. Dulaney has volunteered since the first tree in 2015.
The 53 foot tree with a three foot star towers above Franklin. It is a gift from the city of Franklin to its 6,000 or so redients and the people who venture in to town to shop or eat during the holidays. It might not be the tallest community tree, but thanks to Beith and architect of the plan, Dan Weiland, who figure it out each year, it is ours..
This years tree came from up on the hill.
But a whisper in my ear on Saturday in the middle of the Light Up Night parade from the queen herself said it all.
"This is my baby."
She was wearing a mask, but her smile was obvious. Beith loves, loves LOVES Light Up Night and the Christmas season.
The parade, the fireworks, the singers and that tree...... Franklin's tree is a marvel. Only about twenty feet shorter than the one at Rockerfeller Center tree. "With the star this is the tallest one we've had," said commissioner Mike Dulaney who also helped put the lights on the this year. Dulaney has volunteered since the first tree in 2015.
The 53 foot tree with a three foot star towers above Franklin. It is a gift from the city of Franklin to its 6,000 or so redients and the people who venture in to town to shop or eat during the holidays. It might not be the tallest community tree, but thanks to Beith and architect of the plan, Dan Weiland, who figure it out each year, it is ours..
This years tree came from up on the hill.
The Lafon family in the Oak Hill area od Franklin were having troubles with the roots of their "picture tree" and knew it had to come down.
Franklin's need became the Lafon's donation and entry into the city's history. Several area businesses: ITC Crane, Wayland Contractors, Klapec Trucking and Paul Bunyan Tree services donated hundreds of dollars worth of time, labor and equipment for the month and half of holiday enjoyment for those who pass through Franklin.
Franklin's need became the Lafon's donation and entry into the city's history. Several area businesses: ITC Crane, Wayland Contractors, Klapec Trucking and Paul Bunyan Tree services donated hundreds of dollars worth of time, labor and equipment for the month and half of holiday enjoyment for those who pass through Franklin.
On Saturday Beith and her long list of helpers put on a few dozen unit parade, brought in top-notch singers and then, at the of the parade, lit the tree lights and then lit the sky with fireworks. The crowd along Liberty Street was three or four rows deep to watch the parade.
"I am going to be a bit wordy – but it comes from my heart. Where does one begin to say thank you to so many special folks!" Beith wrote on social media the next morning. She then did go on to thank everyone.
"I am feeling so much joy and gratitude."
"I am feeling so much joy and gratitude."
And the comments on her post echoed Beith's gratitude.
"It was the perfect night, the fireworks were absolutely beautiful! Thank you all," said Deb Krizon.
Ashleigh Phillips said "An absolutely amazing event for our community. Well done! Thank you!"
Susan Biddle Blair said "I was in town around 4:00 and was a little worried. There were chairs out for the parade but not many people. Then just like magic and on cue….here came the people!!!
What a great event…thanks."
"This was our first year attending and it will be now the first of many! Absolutely loved the atmosphere and the shops that were open great parade, tree lighting and fireworks! Thank you all for your hard work and dedication, my three year old had a magical time!" said Shelby Crider. And the comments kept on going.
This is a premier western Pennsylvania event.
"It was the perfect night, the fireworks were absolutely beautiful! Thank you all," said Deb Krizon.
Ashleigh Phillips said "An absolutely amazing event for our community. Well done! Thank you!"
Susan Biddle Blair said "I was in town around 4:00 and was a little worried. There were chairs out for the parade but not many people. Then just like magic and on cue….here came the people!!!
What a great event…thanks."
"This was our first year attending and it will be now the first of many! Absolutely loved the atmosphere and the shops that were open great parade, tree lighting and fireworks! Thank you all for your hard work and dedication, my three year old had a magical time!" said Shelby Crider. And the comments kept on going.
This is a premier western Pennsylvania event.
"It all comes together in a labor of love! Thousands of smiling faces, happy children and lifetime memories are the endless reward," wrote Beith.
This special season has begun!"
This special season has begun!"
   | 2021 FRANKLIN LIGHT UP NIGHT PARADE Winners sponsored by Komatsu. BEST OF SHOW Central Elementary School DIVISION I 1st – Victory Elementary School 2nd – Franklin Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Church 3rd – Venango Technology Center DIVISION II 1st – Ubercrest Dairy 2nd – Next Step Therapy 3rd – Poppin’ Sweet Shop, Pastries by Andrea, Creekside Granite tied with Fresenius-Oil City Dialysis & Polk Fire Rescue DIVISION III 1st – Barrow-Civic Theatre 2nd – Riders Against Child Abuse (RACAA) 3rd – Autism Tough Foundation DIVISION IV 1st – Clarion County Dairy Princess 2nd – Innovation Institute for Tomorrow 3rd – Two Mile Run County Park DIVISION V 1st – Jamie’s Kids tied with Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department 2nd – Pure International Pageant 3rd – Community Services of Venango County |
Beith is still looking for businesses, organization and individuals who want to decorate a tree in Fountain Park for Old Fashioned Christmas in a couple weeks. Last year this event, out of COVID - 19 necessity was such a hit they wanted to do this again. It became many a "hallmark" moment for folks on social media sharing holiday photos that it just may become the next big Franklin tradition. They are always finding ways to add onto their already successful traditions.
If interested in learning more about the Fountain Park trees contact Ronnie at rbeith@franklinpa.gov
If interested in learning more about the Fountain Park trees contact Ronnie at rbeith@franklinpa.gov
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Ronnie's parting words, as always, look positively forward, "We wish you many joy-filled moments and good health in the weeks ahead!
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