Franklin readying for 'Christmas Under the Lampposts' Dec. 2

Franklin will ring in the Christmas season the evening of Saturday, Dec. 2, in the downtown business district.
Before the Christmas parade, residents can join the members of the City of Franklin’s Main Street Program’s Design Committee and the St. Mary Chapter of the Louisiana Landmarks Society for the Tour of Homes and Churches Saturday.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the tour. Homes can be viewed from 12-5 p.m. and churches will be open from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. The Lamp Post will have refreshments. Purchase tickets online at Eventbrite or in person at Chic & Shabby, Grevemberg House or The French Door. For more information, contact Diane Chauvin, 337-346-1299.
The theme for Christmas under the Lampposts is “Christmas on the Bayou.” Entry and vendor forms are available now. The deadline for entry and vendor forms will be Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m.
Floats, boats and golf carts can be entered into this year’s parade, which begins at 6 p.m. There is no entry fee. Line-up for the parade will begin at 5 p.m. on Jackson Street.
Church groups, school clubs and athletic teams, scouts, youth groups, veterans and community service organizations that choose not to enter a float, boat or golf cart are invited to participate in the Christmas parade as walkers.
Nonprofit organizations are asked to become vendors. Vendors must provide their own self-contained set-up in the Blevins building.
After the parade, remember to check out the lights along Main Street and Teche Drive.
Here’s a hint about this year’s Lamplighter: The Lamplighter provides assistance to those in need.
The Christmas parade and lamp-lighting ceremony is also Saturday. Line-up for the parade will begin at 5 p.m. on Jackson Street, and the parade will begin at 6 p.m. on the corner of Jackson and Main Streets. The parade will end at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse Square where the Lamplighter will be revealed.
Mayor Raymond Harris has issued a dare to local businesses to enter the Christmas parade.
“At this time, I’d like to challenge local businesses to participate in the Christmas parade as walkers or by decorating a golf cart,” Harris said. “I hope the members of the business community will take me up on the challenge and join us in the parade. I can assure them that they will have a great time.”
For more information and for registration forms contact the Community Development Department 337-828-6345 or ashields@franklin-la.com.