FRANKLIN
The 32nd annual Franklin Fall Festival is a two-day shindig in downtown that invites everyone to welcome in the season. And if the weekend forecast holds, there’ll be partly sunny skies and temperatures ranging from the 70s to the upper 50s through lower 60s. But if things turn ugly on Friday, the event moves to Franklin-Southampton Fairgrounds.

Meanwhile, the Block Party on Oct. 3 goes from 6 to 11 p.m. at Barrett’s Landing, 100 E. Barrett St., and will include music performed by Island Boy Band and The Fantastic Shakers Band.

Admission is a nominal $5 per person. Children 6 and under are admitted for free.

Fireworks are scheduled for 9:15 p.m.

The next day’s Street Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ranging from Bogart to 4th Avenue on Main Street and from Franklin to Middle streets. On 2nd Avenue, children’s games and activities as well as stage entertainment are scheduled.

Dan Howe, executive director for the Downtown Franklin Association, said that Coast to Coast is helping to orchestrate and emcee the staged entertainment. The talent show will include youth and adult categories.

Also on the streets will be a farmers’ market, craft booths, plenty of food and the Classic Car Show. The Nationwide NASCAR Pace Car and simulator will be on display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Main and 4th.

Howe is excited about the weekend wingding, especially with all the help given.

“We’ve done some sprucing up downtown with volunteers,” he said. “It’s a team effort of both Public Works and organizations such as the Church of Latter Day Saints Men’s group cleaning up the streets. The City’s been really good — everybody’s kicked in. It’s nice to see good team work.”

Among the unique booths will be a You Paint Metal Art vendor and a mobile knitting van, where you can get yarn and other supplies.

“We’re probably at over 110 vendors,” Howe said. “I’m going to run out of space.”

None of this happens without sponsors. This year’s major patrons are Birdsong Peanuts, NAPA Beamon and Johnson Inc., Blair Brothers Inc., Burgess and Co., DQ, Enviva, Insercorp, Real Country 101.7 and The Tidewater News. No less important are Applebees, Bronco Federal Credit Union, Councill Financial, EVB, Farmers Bank, Franklin-Southampton Economic Development, G. Elliott Cobb, Hunter March Insurance, International Paper, Jack Jr. Towing and Auto Repair, Parker Darden Heating and Air Conditioning, Pecht Distributors, Pino’s Pizza, Solenis/Eastman/Arkema, Southampton Memorial Hospital, Southern Tent Co. Inc., Three Guys Italian Restaurant, Tidewater Physical Therapy and Walgreens.

For details, call 562-6900 or visit www.downtownfranklin.org.