Harvest Moon Festival

By CASEY COLLIER
The 20th annual Harvest Moon Festival was held in downtown Franklin Saturday.
As in years past, there was a 5k run/walk, car show, “Mutt Strutt” costume contest, live auction, arts and crafts, live music, food and beverages and local vendors displaying their wares.
First place in the “Mutt Strutt” went to Whit Lanclos, second place went to Jadi Pellerin and third place went to Caroline Mayfield.
This year, Franklin Merchants Association added a scarecrow contest and a bake sale, to the day’s bevy of events.
The People’s Choice award for most creative scarecrow went to Centerville High School. The award for most creative business’ scarecrow went to WHY Fitness. The award for most creative organization’s scarecrow went to Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau, and the award for the most creative school’s scarecrow went to Foster Elementary School.
As for the “Under the Lampposts” car show, the award for Best Car went to George Tyler; Best Truck went to Derek Broussard; Best Overall was awarded to Frank Mendoza; Best Rat Rod went to Dean Landry and the award for traveling the farthest went to Junior Fontenot.
Diane Wiltz, festival organizer, said she was happy with this year’s turnout, citing “Norman Rockwellesque” weather as most likely playing a part in that particular.
Wiltz went on to say of the festival’s future, as she sees it, that in order for the festival to grow into the Fall tourism staple she believes it can become for Franklin, sponsorship must be secured to “underwrite the festival.”
“What is free, though,” Wiltz said, “is residents’ support. And that is something that we have to continue to cultivate. Next year, I’d like that crowd to double.”
She also said that anyone who wishes to volunteer for next year’s festival, or wishes to provide feedback concerning their experience at this year’s festival, is welcomed to contact FMA.