by Jim Hart

FRANKLIN
The Franklin Christmas Parade Committee, along with “Downtown Dan” of the Downtown Franklin Association, have been busy all year long planning and fundraising for this annual event. Last year’s parade was cancelled due to inclement weather, so this year’s event should be bustling with built-up enthusiasm and excitement from kids of all ages.

The theme is “Through the Eyes of a Child,” and the event will be on Friday, Dec. 7, beginning at 7 p.m. and will follow the same route as in years past. Lineup will begin at 5:30 p.m., and participants are asked to come down Campbell Avenue off of Armory Drive to follow directions to the staging area and check in with parade staff.

Registration is $10 and participants can register at Franklin City Hall, the Downtown Franklin Association building (old train station on Main Street,) emailing tmcquay@franklinva.com or go online to downtownfranklinva.org and download a registration form to take to Downtown Franklin Association.

Early registration is a $10 donation that has been extended until Friday, Nov. 23.

Late registration is a $25 donation and will end on Monday, Nov. 26. No registration will be accepted after that date.

Handicap parking will be located in front of the farmer’s market on South Main Street. No street parking will be allowed after 5:30 p.m. on the day of the parade.

Note that with the day of the parade being Pearl Harbor Day, a special tribute will be paid to our veterans. Everyone is encouraged to bring a handheld American flag to wave during the parade to show your enthusiasm and patriotism for our country and our veterans.