City sets 4th Annual Christmas Lighting Contest

The City of Franklin is hosting its 4th Annual Christmas Lighting Contest on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
All residents have to do to enter is turn on their Christmas lights by 6 p.m. on that day. Business owners and residents are eligible to participate. There will be four residential districts and one business section.
The judges will be comparing exterior decorations only, including decorations in windows that are visible from the exterior. Only decorations that are visible from the street will be judged. Judges will not enter the property to view the back or side yard.
First and second place plaques will be awarded in each section. Winners will be announced at the Franklin City Council meeting on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
For more information about this year’s Christmas Lighting Contest, contact Tammy Rogers at 337-828-6350 or trogers@franklin-la.com.
Also upcoming are:
Christmas Under The Lampposts, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m., to include a Decorated Golf Cart Parade and Christmas on the Bayou Lighting Ceremony.
The parade will start at the corner of Jackson Street and Main Street and head down to the St. Mary Parish Courthouse Square for the Christmas on the Bayou Lighting Ceremony with this year’s Lamp Lighter that will be announced at the ceremony.
Mingle & Jingle, Thursday, Dec. 12 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., (Franklin Merchants Association & City of Franklin’s) will include photos with Santa, trolley rides, cookie decorating, ornament making and more.
Home for the Holidays Christmas Gala & Dinner, featuring local entertainer Clay Boudreaux at the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.
Clay Boudreaux is a musician, vocalist/boardist based in Baton Rouge. Clay has entertained audiences now for over 40 years. Originally from Franklin, Clay now resides in Baton Rouge. His primary instrument is piano. In addition, he is also an acclaimed vocalist and organist. His repertoire is extensive and includes music from Broadway, standards, rock and roll, the 50s and 60s to today. He performs songs from artists such as Elton John, Neil Diamond, Lionel Ritchie, Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison, Michael Buble’, John Legend and many more. Cocktail parties, anniversary parties and weddings are his specialty.
Some might call him a “one man band” but he needs to be seen and heard to be believed. He uses a microphone, keyboard, computer and excellent sound system to produce a very high quality sound. Show tunes are part of his repertoire as well. Musical theatre is a big influence on his music. He was accompanist for Franklin Little Theater for many years, with stage credits including the roles of Billy Crocker in Anything Goes and Emile de Becque in South Pacific.
City of Franklin’s New Year’s Eve Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration
Get ready to start the New Year with the city’s Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration on New Year’s Eve at 6 p.m. hosted by Diane Wiltz and Ed “Tiger” Verdin in the St. Mary Parish Courthouse Square.
Kicking off with Johnny Chauvin & the Mojo Band, followed by the dance king himself, Cupid & the Dance Party Express Band and D.J. Fab, with the lowering of our beloved and iconic lamp post down the St. Mary Parish Courthouse as the countdown to midnight leads to a fireworks display.