PICKIN ON THE SQUARE

Main Street atop town hill in Franklin, North Carolina comes alive Saturday nights from late spring through fall with Pickin' on the Square. This free event is a favorite of visitors and locals alike.

Pickin' on the Square provides hours of great entertainment each week the whole family will enjoy. In fact, Pickin' showcases the wealth of talent of western North Carolina and the Southeast.

You can even get in on the fun by coming a bit early and showing off your talents during "open mic" time at 6:30 p.m. The main event gets underway each week around
7:30 p.m.

Come early, do some shopping, take in one Franklin's fine eateries or get a snack from one of the many street vendors. Oh, and be sure to bring a lawn chair with you.

DISCOVER ALL THINGS SCOTTISH DURING FRANKLIN'S
"A TASTE OF SCOTLAND"

Held each year on Father's Day Weekend in June, the annual Taste of Scotland Festival in Franklin, NC is filled with Scottish fun, food, fashion, music, dance, and culture for the whole family! It celebrates Franklin's Scots-Irish Heritage very appropriately as we have one of the highest concentrations of Scots-Irish decedents in the country.

This is truly unique Scottish festival is far different than Highland Games. Think of it as a sampling of everything Scottish! At the Taste of Scotland you can enjoy authentic Scottish Foods, Music, Dancers, Clans, Border Collie Demonstrations, Parade of Clans & Tartans, Scottish Crafters and Children's Highland Games, plus continuous Live Entertainment!

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION • 10:00 a.m.

Franklin celebrates Independence Day the old-fashioned way with plenty of great activities for the entire family. The event begins with a Patriotic Parade through the streets of Downtown beginning at 10:00 a.m. All visitors to the event are welcome to march along in their Red, White, & Blue. Patriotic Pets are even welcome and one will be awarded a prize basket for Most Patriotic Dress!

Afterwards enjoy free watermelon, kid's games, meet Uncle Sam and have a free photo taken by Tom Tomlinson.

Come early and shop with downtown merchants from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 P.M.

It's a slice of small town America you don't want to miss as Downtown Franklin, NC celebrates the Fourth of July! Don't miss it! Contact June Hernandez at 828-524-9258.

CELEBRATE OUR APPALACHIAN HERITAGE DURING THE
FRANKLIN FOLK FESTIVAL

Sponsored by the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County and funded in part by the Franklin Main Street Program, the Franklin Folk Festival is a two-day celebration of our mountain way of life. From milking cows to shingle splitting to quilting, visitors will have the opportunity to experience what mountain life was like when Franklin was first established some 150 years ago.

The event is held annually in July in downtown Franklin and draws thousands of visitors each year. The Franklin Folk Festival is packed with living exhibits by people who grew up in these mountains and learn these nearly lost mountain arts at their parents` knee. Exhibits include everything from quilting and milking cows to Moon Shinin' and Civil War reenactors.

COME TO FRANKLIN FOR "PUMPKINFEST":
Featuring the World Famous Pumpkin Roll!
OCTOBER 23 & 24, 2009

Spend a Fall weekend in Franklin and take in all the family fun of PumpkinFest! During this event you can take part in some traditional and some very non-traditional fall festivities.

On Friday afternoon, the fun begins along Franklin's Highlands Road as old fashioned Hayrides get PUMPKINFEST off to a great start. Soon after that, the Highlands Road merchants will share goodies with Trick or Treaters. And this is just the beginning of the fun weekend.

Main Street, Phillips Street, and Palmer Street will be awash with everything pumpkin on Saturday. Bring your pumpkin (or purchase one downtown) and sign up early for the world famous PUMPKINFEST Pumpkin Roll. The Costume Parade and Contest will surely be the highlight of the day, but don't miss out on the Pumpkin Walk, great crafts and art, fabulous food, and music, music, music.

Again this year, PUMPKINFEST will hold a Pumpkin Cooking Contest and you’re invited to enter your favorite pumpkin creation. The contest is sponsored by the Macon County Historical Society.

EXPERIENCE A NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION IN FRANKLIN:
Window Wonderland
December 4 & 11, 2009

The first two Fridays following Thanksgiving, Franklin, North Carolina will again be transformed into an old-fashioned holiday atmosphere during Window Wonderland. On December 5 and December 12 from 5-8pm Window Wonderland will take Franklin back in time as "windows come alive" with living scenes from Franklin’s past.

Franklin businesses will be open to warmly greet visitors with hot chocolate, hot cider, cookies, or other refreshments reminiscent of the season. Strolling carolers will entertain shoppers with seasonal music and contribute to the holiday atmosphere as well as other entertainment throughout town.

Luminaries will line Main Street, creating the soft glow which makes the evening so magical. There will be vintage horse-drawn carriage rides and children of all ages can meet Santa Claus at the Macon County Historical Museum on Main Street.

Highlands Road will be illuminated with Christmas lights and numerous restaurants on will be open for patrons. Window Wonderland is a family event with something for all ages. Step into the past and experience an old-fashioned Christmas in Franklin. It will be an evening you and your children will forever remember.

Join us for this special celebration of the Seaon! Happy Holidays from the Franklin Main Street Program, Inc. of Franklin, North Carolina.

2010 Franklin, North Carolina Events

• January 15 - Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver ($15) He may be a legend, but while Doyle Lawson takes pride in a career that's stood at the center of bluegrass and bluegrass gospel for over 40 years, he's hardly resting on his laurels. Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• February 20 - Harris III ($10) His name is Harris, III (Harris the Third), and since receiving a magic set from his grandmother at the age of 9, he has been fascinated with magic, illusion and how easily the senses are deceived. At age 11 he gave his first public performances. Today, at the age of 26, he is a classicly trained, award-winning, master illusionist, and an expert in the art of deception. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• March 12 - Randy Travis in Concert ($45 - $55) Like the Beatles in rock, Randy Travis marks a generational shift in country music. When his Storms of Life came out in 1986, country music was still wallowing in the post-urban cowboy recession, chasing elusive crossover dreams. Travis brought the music back to its basics, sounding like nothing so much as a perfect blend of George Jones and Merle Haggard. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• April 2 & 3 - Franklin's April Fool's Trail Days - Come join in this celebration of the Appalachian Trail

  Friday & Saturday Night - Sapphire Inn - 5:00 to 9:00 pm - Waldroop Band, Talent Contest, Food
  Saturday - Big Bear Shelter, East Main Street, Little Tennessee River Greenway - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Live Music, Food, Outdoor Exhibits.

• April 16 - James Gregory ($18) For over two decades, the unforgettable caricature of veteran comedian James Gregory has stood grinning: his shirt un-tucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome to a down-home, hilarious comedy experience. It’s storytelling at its best. The trademark caricature is the essence of James Gregory’s comedy: rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• April 17 - 3 Redneck Tenors ($15 - $18) Buckle up for a musical extravaganza (which is Italian for super buffet). These boys are actually classically trained artists from Broadway and world opera stages cleverly disguised as mullet-wearing Billy Joe, Billy Bob and Billy Billee. The program includes some great humor and fun all hosted by the Colonel – who also happens to sing in a few of the numbers. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• April 18 - The Raleigh Ringers ($18) The Raleigh Ringers are truly unlike any other advanced handbell organization, but the best way to find that out for yourself is to get tickets to attend one of their awe-inspiring live shows! Formed in 1990 in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Raleigh Ringers are now well-known across the globe. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• April 30 - Ray Stevens ($30 - $40) Multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter and two-time Grammy winner Ray Stevens is celebrating 50 years in the music business this year. From his comedy hit, “The Streak” to the socially aware “Mr. Businessman" to his Grammy award winning pop standard “Everything is Beautiful,” Stevens continues to showcase his observant and witty songwriting. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• May 11 - Golden Dragon Acrobats ($20) The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time honored tradition that began more than twenty-five centuries ago. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• May 29 - Branson on the Road ($10) What do you get when you bring together a fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, upright slap bass, rhinestone costumes, hilarious comedy and great classic country, bluegrass, rockabilly and gospel music...Branson On The Road®! Branson On The Road® has over 20 years of experience of performing at the top theatres.Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• June 18-20 Taste of Scotland Weekend - For details call (828)524-7472 or e-mail: claire@dometrics.com

  June 18 - Ceilidh - Scottish Musical Party and BBQ dinner. Downtown Gazebo, Franklin, NC. 6:00 pm
  June 19 - 13th Annual Taste of Scotland - Street festival with all things Scottish including entertainment, clans, authentic Scottish foods, music & dancing, Pipe & Drum Bands, parade, Border Collie emonstrations, crafts, shortbread contest, children’s Highland games and many other contests. Free Admission. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
  June 20 - Kirkin of the Tartans - First Presbyterian Church
  

• July 1-4 - The Inspirations Their record speaks for itself. Forty-seven years on the road, numerous awards and accolades, more than 65 recordings with more than 700 songs, millions of road miles, the successful Singing In The Smokies annual concerts, television appearances, consistently packed concert halls, and a reputation without blemish... there's no other like them. The Inspirations truly are an American treasure. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• July 4 - 4th of July Parade in Historic Downtown Franklin 9:30 am until 1 pm. Parade begins at 10:00 am. Contact Linda Schlott at 828-524-2516 for more information
  
  
• July 7 - David Crowder Band ($25) The Dove Award-winning six-piece,crafts compelling, inimitably progressive electronic rock. Think Radiohead meets Linkin Park. Compare that description with the fact that some even call them a worship band.Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• July 13 - Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers ($20 - $30) Over 50 years ago, Larry, Steve, and Rudy Gatlin started singing in their little hometown of Abilene, Texas, and from there went on to make music history. Over the course of a four-decade career that has taken the Gatlin Brothers from dusty Texas stages to White House performances, from Broadway to Grammy Awards to the top of the country charts. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• July 16 & 17 - 7th Annual Franklin Folk Festival - A celebration of Appalachian heritage in Downtown Franklin. Over 50 living exhibits of authentic mountain living, food, entertainment and more. Call 828-369-7411 for detials. Sponsored by Macon County Folk Heritage Association.
  
  
• July 30 - Point of Grace & Laura Story ($15) Come be a part of a wonderful night of worship with award winning christian artists/songwriters Point of Grace and Laura Story. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• August 7 - Ronnie McDowell THE ELVIS PRESLEY STORY: Starring Ronnie McDowell and featuring memories of Elvis by his former backup singers and band members: The Jordanaires * The Stamps Quartet D.J. Fontana * Millie Kirkham. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• August 14 - Ricky Skaggs ($35 - $45) Sometimes in life, things come full circle. That's the story of Ricky Skaggs. By age 21, he was already considered a "recognized master" of one of America's most demanding art forms, but his career took him in other directions, catapulting him to popularity and success in the mainstream of country music. Now the road has brought him back to where it all began - bluegrass music. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• September 23 - Mark Lowry ($15) Mark Lowry has been making people laugh, cry and think for nearly 40 years. Singing publicly and recording albums and videos since age eleven, you could say that Mark has done this most of his life.Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• October 22 & 23- 14th Annual Pumpkin Fest Weekend - Contact Linda Schlott at 828-524-2516

  October 22 - Hayrides from Shops at Riverwalk on Highlands Road from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm, After School Treats for the kids in shopping center from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
  October 23 - 14th Annual Pumpkinfest Street festival along Main Street with crafters, Famous Pumpkin Roll, Live Music all day, Pie Eating Contest, Games, Costume Contest and Parade along with Food.
  

• October 29 - Rhonda Vincent & Gene Watson ($20 - $30) "The destination of life is an individual interpretation. Some know exactly where they're going. Others spend a lifetime searching." Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• November 11 - Veteran's Parade - Downtown Franklin - 11:00 am
  
  
• November 20 - Chonda Pierce ($18) Armed with an abundance of unpretentious Southern charm and laser sharp wit, Chonda Pierce has been entertaining audiences from coast to coast for more than a decade. An in-demand stand up comic, television hostess and author, Pierce has parlayed her gift for storytelling into a multi-faceted career. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.
  
  
• November 26 - Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony & Candlelight Service on the Square in Downtown Franklin - 7:00 pm - Free cider, cookies & music. Contact 828-524-2516.
  
  
• November 27 - Cookies With Santa - Town Hall - Free event for children - 10:00am to 12noon
  
  
• November 28 - Annual Franklin Christmas Parade - 3:00 pm - Through the streets of downtown Franklin. Call the Franklin Chamber of Commerce for information at 828-524-3161.
  
  
• December 3 & 10 - Window Wonderland - The first two Fridays after Thanksgiving from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm - This Holiday Celebration on townhill in Franklin features "living" window displays of the season, carolers and other sounds of the season, carriage rides, refreshments and more! Contact 828-524-2516.
  
  
• December 17 - Oak Ridge Boys in Concert With that unmistakable four-part harmony, the Oaks have produced dozens of hit songs - including "You're the One in a Million," "I'm Settin' Fancy Free," "Sail Away," and, of course, "Elvira," - earned just about every industry accolade available, including Grammy, Dove, ACM, and CMA awards, and won millions of fans worldwide. Click here to get tickets online at the Smoky Mountain Center for the performing arts in Franklin, NC.