Christmas Celebrations in Franklin, NC

2007 Franklin Christmas Tree

The Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place tonight at 7pm in front of the Clock Tower. There will be free cider, cookies and music. If you cannot attend, but would like to watch from the top of the Jones Building live, visit WPFJ's webcam page, which has one pointed in that general direction.

I plan on attending, and will probably put something up about it.

I am proud to say that my town is not ashamed of Christmas.

Also, there will be a "Cookies with Santa" event downtown tomorrow from 10 am to noon and the annual Christmas Parade will be Sunday at 3 pm in downtown Franklin. I will be at the parade, and you can view a portion of the parade on the above webcam. I am excited about the Christmas Parade because when I was young, we lived too far outside of town to justify attending the parade...and after I was old enough to go on my own, I always had jobs that prevented me from attending, or I was somewhere else.

Here is the official information from the Franklin Chamber of Commerce regarding this year's Christmas Parade:

"My Favorite Christmas Carol" has been chosen as the theme of the event. "This year's theme provides for a broad range of ideas to be incorporated in float design and other entries. We encourage those participating to decorate their float using a favorite Christmas carol." said Linda Harbuck, Chamber Executive Director. Prize money will be awarded. The judging of the floats will take place prior to the parade. Prizes for Best Use of Theme, Most Creative and Grand Champion will be given.

"Folks need to keep in mind when designing their entries that the "Santa" rule applies again this year." Harbuck continued. "No Santas are allowed on any float OTHER THAN the traditional Santa which signifies the end of the parade. the little ones get especially confused because we all know there is only one Santa Claus."

We are proud to announce this year's Grand Marshall, Bob Litten. Mr. Litten is the President of the Veteran's Memorial of Macon County, Inc., a founding member of the West Macon Fire Department and on the Executive Board and District Commissioner of the Boy Scouts. Bob has been instrumental in the building of the Veteran's Memorial here at our recreation park. "We are excited to be able to honor, Mr. Litten in this fashion". said Cindy Cavender, Special Events Coordinator. "His giving spirit and willingness to donate so much to our community is certainly a blessing', Cavender concluded.

The parade will again line up in the East Franklin Shopping Center and areas of Highlands Road. The route will turn left from Highlands Road onto Main Street taking the parade up Town Hill, then left on Porter Street and disbanding at Franklin High School.