Second half of the year filling up with Franklin events

Franklin’s billboard of upcoming events is filling up through the end of the year.
The city’s Office of Community Development Director Arlana Shields said that students who participated in the summer art program are encouraged to display their art work from the program at the Teche Theatre. Students should bring their work to the Community Development Department by noon July 22.
Tickets for the dance recital and student art show are available from The Lamp Lighter, Chic & Shabby Collections, Meyer’s Shoe Store, T-Shirts and Treasures and the water department of City Hall. Tickets are $5; cash or checks will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to the City of Franklin.
The Bayou Beaux Art and Dance Summer Arts Program dance recital and student art show will be July 23 at the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts. The doors open at 5 p.m. and the dance recital begins at 6 p.m. LaDaisha Bowles-Webber is the dance instructor.
In the fall, the organizers of Fit, Fun and Fabulous in Franklin (4F) will be held Thursday, Oct. 6. Volunteers are needed for the information booths that will be at each end of the walking tour on Main Street.
Fraternities and sororities, teen groups, nonprofit organizations, churches; sports teams, cheerleading squads and dance teams, academic clubs and veterans are all encouraged to sign up as volunteers for the information booths.
Also in October, Franklin is a stop for Tour du Teche, which is on Oct. 8. Paddlers begin arriving around 5 p.m. and the deadline for paddlers to finish the race is midnight.
Volunteers are needed for this event to record the paddlers’ times and to assist them with their vessels. The deadline to become a volunteer and receive a t-shirt is Aug. 5.
Church groups, social organizations, scouting troops, veterans, sports teams and community service groups are wanted as volunteers. Additionally, students who need volunteer hours to meet graduation requirements are strongly encouraged to participate. Students should bring their forms with them when they report for their time slot the day of the race. Each shift is only two hours; the first one begins at 4 p.m.
Shields also said artists and authors are wanted for this year’s Art Walks.
“This is an ideal opportunity to be noticed in Franklin. The citizens of this area have an appreciation for art and literature,” Mayor Raymond Harris said. “Artists and authors will meet a whole new audience for their work by coming and being a part of the Franklin Art Walk.”
The Franklin Art Walk will be Oct. 29 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. along Main Street. The deadline for entries is Sept. 30 at noon.
According to Mayor Raymond Harris, “Children who participate in the Children’s Art Walk will have the opportunity to gain public speaking skills and to engage with those who love art. Also, these patrons could become a part of their following who, through word of mouth, could provide promotion for these budding artists.”
The Children’s Art Walk will be Dec. 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. along Main Street. The deadline for entries is Nov. 4 at noon.
Each artist or author who participates will be paired with a local merchant. College students, children and new and established artists and authors are encouraged to be a part of these events.
Lyle and Victoria Simoneaux of Edward Jones are the next presenters in the Guest Speaker Series. The duo will provide information to help attendees plan for retirement from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts Sept. 7. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the event is free to the public.
“Everyone needs to have a source or sources of ‘mailbox money,’” Shields said. “I heard that on an episode of ‘Southern Charm.’ The young man didn’t have to work because he had money that came to him in his mailbox from investments he’d made. Lyle and Victoria Simoneaux will inform us about how to accumulate money that works hard after you get off from your job and arrives in your mailbox that will allow you to retire.”
Christmas under the Lampposts will be Dec. 3 beginning at 6 p.m. The theme for the golf cart decorating contest is “A Seventies Christmas.”
Participants will line up for the parade on Jackson Street, beginning at 5 p.m. The Christmas parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Main Street, and the lamp-lighting ceremony will begin at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse square immediately following the parade.
For information about the dance recital and student art show, contact the Community Development Department (ashields@franklin-la.com or 337-828-6345).
For more information about Fit, Fun and Fabulous in Franklin and to become a volunteer, please contact Dawn Kaiser-Melancon Director of Business Development and Marketing for Franklin Foundation Hospital (337-355-1373) or Ed Verdin with Teche Action Clinic (337-828-2550).