Franklin celebrates Independence Day in person
Published 7:01 am Tuesday, July 6, 2021
A large crowd of people listen to the band at Barrett’s Landing, partake in the refreshments and await the forthcoming fireworks June 30, enjoying one of the first major opportunities to gather in Franklin since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the area in the early spring of 2020. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Posing for a picture on Main Street next to the Franklin Cruise-In amid the city’s Independence Day Celebration on June 30 are, from left, seated, Bane Rutledge, Paislee Wheeler, Breana Rutledge, Lawson Harville; standing, Tiffany Rutledge, Harleigh Ferrara, Brittany Burch, Brantley Burch and Kinsley Burch. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Lila Boone, left, and Aryana Hedgepeth smile for a photo as they experience the Franklin Cruise-In that was part of the city’s Independence Day Celebration on June 30. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
From left, Anthony Spencer, Marilyn Spencer and Crystal Spencer, of Courtland, pose for a photo in front of a 1950 Ford Custom Tudor Business Coupe during the Franklin Cruise-In as they partake in the city’s Independence Day Celebration on June 30. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
On their way to joining Franklin’s Independence Day Celebration on June 30 are, from left, Danielle Kelly, Grace Smith, Audrey Kelly and Allen Crocker, of Windsor. Grace was born on July 4 and turned 5 this year. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
A group of volunteers dance The Electric Slide as the band plays at Barrett’s Landing on June 30 during Franklin’s Independence Day Celebration. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Citizens of Franklin take in the fireworks show that concluded the Independence Day Celebration that was held in downtown Franklin on June 30. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
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Franklin citizens and people from the surrounding area gathered in downtown Franklin on June 30 to celebrate Independence Day, embracing one of the first major organized opportunities in the city to return to normal life since the COVID-19 pandemic first began impacting the area 15 months ago.
“I think we were all thrilled that we had the opportunity — or have the opportunity — to gather as a community again, so I thought it was a wonderful community event with a lot of support from the people around the area,” Franklin Mayor Frank M. Rabil said July 1.
The Independence Day Celebration was co-hosted by the City of Franklin and Blackwater Community Events.
The celebration included the Franklin Cruise-In, featuring a gathering of classic cars on and along Main Street; the Market on Main, with goods from farmers and vendors in the area; a band and refreshments at Barrett’s Landing; and fireworks to close out the night.
“It’s a lot of work that has to go into all that coordination,” Rabil said. “We had the cruise-in, which I think they had like 110 cars at the cruise-in. The farmer’s market, each one of the stalls were full, and I think the people had good activity going on there.
“Obviously, at Barrett’s, we had the free hot dogs and watermelon — and chips. They were giving away chips too. I think that surprised a lot of people,” he continued. “They had drinks for sale, water and soft drinks and stuff, even some Gatorades.”
The free food was courtesy of The Franklin Experience, and Rabil noted that six or seven businesses sponsored the fireworks display.
“There was a huge crowd, and I think also some of the businesses downtown benefited from it, people just walking around or becoming acquainted, if you would, with some of the things that we have in our downtown area for future shopping if they didn’t shop last night,” he said.
He also highlighted that it was a peaceful evening.
“Police received no calls last night during it, and with all those people in town, I think that says a lot for the organization and the willingness of people to get out and have a good time in the way that people ought to get out and have a good time,” he said.
“We were most thrilled. The city staff did a wonderful job, the volunteers did an excellent job, everybody was just on cue, so it was really a super event.”
