Franklin Fourth of July week offers some old and new

Posted By: VenangoExtra.com June 26, 2022

From staff reports

Franklin’s annual Fourth of July Festivities Week returns with its traditional parade and fireworks, but also a lot of music and children’s activities.

“We are excited to be back to offering a full week of fun for all ages and celebrate the love for our community and country,” said Ronnie Beith, Franklin Events coordinator.

The 2022 celebration includes the return of the city’s popular Libertyfest Parade, which took a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s theme is “Red, White & You.” Businesses, community organizations, agencies and other groups can sign up to participate in the march down Liberty Street at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

“The theme gives participants a chance to show what July 4th means to them,” Beith said. “We are hoping the crowd gets into the act, too, by wearing their most patriotic outfit to the parade and help us celebrate the return of our summertime parade.”

This year’s parade will include pre-show and post-show activity, as well. The weekly farmer’s market will hold one of its Artisan Days from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the 12th Street Island. Prior to step-off, winners of the “Red, White & You” writing contest will be announced from the judge’s stand near the corner of Liberty and West Park streets.

Building on last year’s successful format, the Children’s Penny Carnival will again be spread between Fountain and Bandstand parks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

“We received a lot of positive feedback from volunteers and attendees after last year’s carnival, so this year we are sticking with that layout and adding something in between,” Beith said.

There will be games and a petting zoo in Fountain Park, the Candyland obstacle course and Marty’s Bubble Machine in Bandstand Park, and a “Red, White & You” Touch-a-Truck event at the 12th Street Island.

Evening activities for kids include the Venango County Humane Society Pet Show on Monday, and a showing of “Sing 2” preceded by activities with the United Way of Venango County on Friday.

The week also will feature a lot of live music.

“Back by popular demand, country music band South 62 will be playing at 7 p.m. Sunday in Bandstand Park. How lucky we are to have this wonderful band back in Franklin,” Beith said.

“And they are just the start of a week of music that includes Tammi Dahl, Nathaniel Licht and Rachael Mellor, the Taste of Talent kickoff, Franklin Silver Cornet Band, and others performing throughout the city.”

For more information about Fourth of July Festivities Week, visit www.franklinpa.gov/events or the event’s Facebook page @FranklinPAEvents.