FRANKLIN — Franklin will celebrate its annual summer festival, Old Franklin Day, on Saturday, Aug. 29, bringing together local vendors, live music, children’s activities, food and community organizations for a day of entertainment and connection.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Institute Street off Main Street and will feature nearly 50 local artisans, vendors, performers and community groups.
Organizers said this year’s festival will include several new attractions, including a vintage baseball game and a dunk tank featuring local officials and community leaders.
The event has been a village tradition since at least 1979.
The day will begin with a free pancake breakfast hosted by Community Bible Church at 89 Center St., starting at 7 a.m. The church will also offer free root beer floats in the afternoon.
Music, Food and Local Vendors
Live music will be provided through sponsorship from the Tom Morgan and Erna Morgan McReynolds Charitable Foundation.
The Dirt Road Express Band will perform country and rock favorites from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by the Off the Record Band, which will play rock and country classics from 1 to 3 p.m.
The festival’s food court, located in the Franklin Fire Department parking lot on Main Street, will feature local and regional vendors, including Ty’s Taco-Ria, Gunner’s Grub, AJ’s Smokin’ BBQ, Catskill Momos and the American Legion’s barbecue chicken.
Additional food and beverage options will be available from Ye Olde Bubble Tea and More, Bittersweet Farm Brewery, Open Doors Methodist Church and local businesses, including The Tulip and the Rose and Good Taste Epicurean Market & Wine and Liquor Shop.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will host its annual pie sale beginning at 9 a.m. under the tent on the church lawn. Organizers said the popular fundraiser typically sells out quickly, with more than 250 pies sold last year.
New Activities Added
A vintage baseball game featuring the Polecats, also known as the Hamden 9, against the Kingston Guards will begin at noon on the Franklin Central School lower sports field.
Children’s activities will include a bounce house, face painting, balloon art, glitter tattoos and games. A new dunk tank fundraiser will allow attendees to dunk several local leaders, including Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond, Undersheriff Kim Smith, state Sen. Peter Oberacker, Assemblyman Chris Tague, Franklin Fire Chief Tom Worden, Franklin Mayor Hanna VanDeusen, Franklin Central School Principal Michael Ames and teacher Allecia Lang.
Proceeds from the dunk tank will benefit the Franklin Recreation Commission, which supports the Franklin Community Pool and youth sports programs. Funds raised will help pay for pool improvements, including a new liner.
Community Organizations and Activities
Visitors can learn more about local organizations, including the Franklin Rotary Club, Franklin Community Education Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Delaware County Department of Social Services, Greater Franklin Food Pantry, Delaware County Senior Council, Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Girl Scouts and Western Catskills Indivisible.
The Franklin Free Library will hold a book sale, while town-wide lawn sales will offer opportunities for bargain hunters. Maps will be available through Facebook and at the event.
The Franklin Railroad and Community Museum will also be open with historical exhibits and activities.
Franklin, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will offer visitors a chance to explore its historic architecture, including Victorian and Edwardian-era homes and village churches.
Alumni Reunion Planned
Following Old Franklin Day, Franklin Central School alumni from all graduating years are invited to attend an all-class reunion from 4 to 8 p.m. under the tent at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
The reunion will include dinner and an opportunity for classmates to reconnect. Guests may bring their own beverages. Reservations are required by mid-August by contacting kljohns@citlink.net or 607-434-7120.
