Franklin hosts inaugural ‘First Thursday’ promotion

Franklin’s inaugural “First Thursday” event is this week.
The downtown promotion will be Thursday beginning at 1 p.m.
A bus will leave the Wedell-Williams Aviation Museum in Patterson with passengers from the east end of the parish. Call the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce (985-384-3830) to reserve a seat on the bus. The charge is $20 per person.
“I would like to see the downtown area of Franklin packed with people shopping, fellowshipping and enjoying the day. Much has changed in Franklin, and our merchants want to show you what they have to offer,” Mayor Raymond Harris said.” “If you live on the eastern end of the parish, I would encourage you to contact the Chamber and reserve your seat. You will regret missing a good time.”
The first event is Stars, Stripes and Steals: A Holiday Shopping Spree. Merchants will be open until 7 p.m. Look for the “Official Merchant” signs that will be in the merchants’ windows. Event fans with a listing of the participating merchants can be obtained by going to Nelvin’s Creation at 402 Willow St. and Girly Things Galore at 814½ Main St. Thursday at 1 p.m.
Businesses in Franklin that are not on Main Street can participate by calling Chez Hope. Chez Hope is offering four sidewalk spaces and two spaces inside the facility to businesses that are not on Main Street that would like to be a part of the first First Thursday promotional event. Call Chez Hope at 337-828-4200 for more information. Spaces are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Main Street merchants who have not signed up to participate in the First Thursday promotions still have time to get on board, especially specialty business such as flower shops, barbershops, beauty parlors and art galleries. The deadline to become a part of the first one is June 30 at 4 p.m.
For more information about First Thursdays and how to become a participating business, contact the Office of Community Development at 337-828-6345 or ashields@franklin-la.com.