Franklin plans full day of activities for Oct. 31

FRANKLIN — Franklin will offer a full day of activities on Saturday, Oct. 31, as the 27th annual Harvest Moon Festival joins a lineup of community events, fundraisers and Halloween celebrations planned throughout the city.
From an early-morning breast cancer awareness run to festival attractions downtown and an evening trunk-or-treat along Bayou Teche, residents and visitors will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the day, support local causes and celebrate with family and friends.
The 27th annual Harvest Moon Festival will take place along downtown Franklin’s historic Main Street, featuring food, music, vendors and activities for all ages.
Festival highlights include kids’ carnival games, the Dash for the Harvest obstacle course, a petting zoo, a Pooch Parade, face painting, a scarecrow contest, a bass fishing tournament and a sugarcane expo. The festival will also feature the Running of the Ducks, a fundraiser for the Franklin Fire Department.
Food trucks, street vendors and local shops will be open for business, while DJ Shannon and Johnny Chauvin will provide live music on Main Street.
Activity bracelets for children will cost $10 for the entire day.
Organizers are also seeking donations for the festival’s cake walk, a longtime favorite for those who enjoy a little friendly competition and a sweet treat. Homemade or store-bought cakes, cupcakes and other desserts are welcome. Donations may be dropped off the morning of the event.
The day’s activities will begin with the 26th annual Adeline Guienze Breast Cancer Memorial Fund 5K Run/Walk, hosted by Teche Health.
The event is scheduled for 8 a.m. at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse Square. The annual run/walk supports breast cancer awareness and honors the memorial fund’s namesake.
Festivalgoers can admire creative displays and cast their votes in the Harvest Moon Festival Scarecrow Contest, located next to The Lamp Station Ice Cream Shoppe on Main Street.
Entries will compete in three categories: People’s Choice, Most Creative and Best School. Voting will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with winners announced at 3 p.m. Prizes are being provided by The Franklin Merchants, Inc.
Dogs and their owners will take center stage when the Harvest Moon Festival Pooch Parade returns to the Pocket Park.
Day-of-event registration will run from 10 to 11:15 a.m. for a fee of $15. Participants should line up between 11:15 and 11:50 a.m., with the parade beginning at noon.
Categories will include Best Costume, Best Trick, Most Look-a-Like (dog and owner), Most Pampered Pooch, Most Friendly Pooch and Best Overall. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m. at the bandstand.
The festival will also invite young participants to show off their Halloween spirit during the Harvest Moon Festival Halloween Costume Contest, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the Main Stage.
Children are encouraged to come dressed in spooky, silly or super-creative costumes for a chance to win prizes. The contest will feature two categories: Best Costume and Most Creative Costume.
Participants will compete in three age groups: 5 years and under, ages 6–10 and ages 11–15. Winners will be announced at 1 p.m. from the bandstand.
The Heart of Hospice Chili Cook-Off and Celebration of Life Butterfly Release will offer opportunities for food, fellowship and remembrance during the day’s events.
The chili cook-off will be held on Main Street, with tasting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Samples will cost $10, and judging is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
The Celebration of Life and Butterfly Release will begin at 4 p.m. at 716 Main St. in downtown Franklin. The event will honor loved ones who have died through a reading of their names and a butterfly release along Bayou Teche. Live music by Chase Landry, activities and family entertainment are also planned.
Butterflies may be ordered in advance for $20 each in honor or memory of someone special. T-shirts are also available to order ahead of the event.
To order butterflies or T-shirts, add a loved one’s name to the memorial list or obtain additional information, call (337) 828-2678.
Proceeds benefit the Hospice Promise Foundation, which assists hospice patients and their families with essential expenses, including burial assistance, food assistance and utility bills.
The City of Franklin will hold its eighth annual Boo on the Bayou Trunk-or-Treat from 6 to 8 p.m.
The event will take place along historic Bayou Teche on Teche Drive and will be a safe, family-friendly Halloween celebration.