Franklin Retail and Business Association director Rya Rudegeair said that all 50 S'mores kits were handed out by Santa as well as over 125 coupons Saturday during the annual Christmas in July.
Despite the early rains, shop owners saw a steady flow of of traffic. "Everyone loved Santa," Rudegeair said adding that the businesses he had heard from reported things went well.
   | Christmas in July is one of the many promotional events the association puts on each year to draw visitors to the city’s historic and quaint business district. Due to some downtown construction the farmer's market, which is traditionally between Fountain and Bandstand Park at the base of the Venango County Courthouse, was in the parking lot behind PNC Bank, where it has been all summer. Santa was supposed to be there, but between the weather and Santa noticing there weren't a lot of children, he moved to the Franklin Chamber of Commerce where he would greet people inside as well as out on the sidewalk. The five hour event attracted well over a hundred to the downtown to shop and take in the unseasonably festive tone thanks to the music provided by the young Liberty Street little band, a trio formed in recent years by a trio of talented Franklin High School musicians. The retail association also hosted a raffle with gift certificates of $50, $25 and $10 give to Faith Copley, Nancy Arroyo, and Elwood and Josh Gamble respectively. This means more future business for local shops thanks to the sponsorship of Sassy's Clothing and Gift Boutique, Witherup and Galaxy Federal Credit Union. |
Since 1972, the retail association has been a Franklin networking and cross marketing group with the goal of bringing in shoppers while boosting their over 70 members' profiles and hopefully revenues.
Events like Christmas in July are a part of their networking and business community building.
Events like Christmas in July are a part of their networking and business community building.
| But he says they can be purchased year round, currently at the Chamber, but soon off their redesigned website. They are currently encouraging people coming in to watch the popular Taste of Talent Vocal Competition, to come early to have dinner and that the business offer great takeout options if folks want to eat in the park. Taste of Talent has two more shows on Saturday at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday. Other Retail Association events include the Witch Walk in October, Retail Windfall in November and Olde Fashioned Christmas in December.  |  Click on poster for details and to enter |
| In May, they brought in a full-time director to work in conjunction with the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. Local business owner Ryan Rudegeair, hired thanks to a grant from the McElhatten Foundation, has been tasked with promoting and advancing opportunities for business served by the two organizations. |  |
He'll be helping to expand the popular gift cards that can be used at all association member businesses year round. “So many get sold around the holidays” said Rudegeair,. “They don’t expire and it’s a great customer service that can be given as a gift. The money comes back to the businesses. If you buy a gift card, a Franklin business is going to benefit from it.”
RSS Feed