By Lauren Sloan

FRANKLIN

Just because summer is ending certainly does not mean the weekend fun needs to stop anytime soon. The ‘back to school’ month of September is chockfull of exciting weekend activities in the Franklin Southampton area.

First up, the Franklin Cruise-In ends the summer season with a day-long finale on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is sure to bring over 250 vintage and classic cars lined throughout Downtown Franklin. In addition to the car show, Franklin’s Market on Main will be open during the event with local vendors selling produce and handmade products. An artisan craft show will take place inside the Main Event, located at 110 N. Main St. A raffle drawing for a customized golf cart, as well as other incredible door prizes, will run throughout the event. A Poker Walk will take place as well, $10 to play, with a $200 cash prize winner. The Franklin Cruise-In is sponsored by Blackwater Community Events and Bobby’s Tire and Auto. For complete event information, visit the Franklin Cruise-In Facebook page.

Next, enjoy a figurative transport back in time at the 26th Annual Heritage Day at the Southampton County Agricultural and Forestry Museum on Saturday, Sept. 14. Experience heritage crafters making butter, hominy, molasses, cracklin’s, soap and baskets. Watch an 1880s printing press, 1920s sawmill and a corn gristmill in action. Storytelling will take place in an old one-room schoolhouse. Watch blacksmithing and pottery-making demonstrations. Visit a model train exhibit featuring trains from the 1940s, 1950s and later. Grab lunch on site and enjoy the BBQ/hot dogs/Brunswick stew/snacks/drinks that will be available for sale. Make sure you snap a photo with the LOVEwork display on-site, posting all photos with the hashtag #50yearsoflove. All activities except food included in admission price ($5/adults, $2/children). For directions or further information call 653-9554.

Time to head over to Downtown Franklin on Saturday, Sept. 21 for the Franklin African-American Festival. Held from 2:30 to 9 p.m., this annual family celebration showcases the incredible history, culture, education, and arts of African-Americans. Community groups are invited to showcase local talent and display exhibits. The event will take place at Barrett’s Landing, bring a lawn chair and enjoy the afternoon in Downtown Franklin.

For more information, visit downtownfranklinva.org.

We invite you to Escape to Tradition at these wonderful community events. Want to be in the ‘tourism know’ all year long? Follow ‘Visit Franklin Southampton VA’ on Facebook and Instagram.

LAUREN SLOAN is the Business Development Manager for the Franklin Business Center. Contact her at 562-1958 or email lsloan@franklinsouthamptonva.com.