By J.D. O’Gara
Franklin’s 4th of July Celebration will be taking place this year, starting on Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 through Sunday, July 4th, 2021. Maneuvering rapidly changing Covid-19 state regulations, “We’ve been working with the town on whether or not we can have the carnival on the common without any restrictions, but we are looking to incorporate some social distance and restrictions so we can have a safe environment for the carnival and the music,” says Joe Carmignani, who organizes the annual event with Paul Kortick.
Music will take place on the first four days of the festival, beginning with:
•    Wednesday, June 30: Mo Bounce, Boston’s uncut Funk, Soul and R&B party band, 8 p.m.
•    Thursday, July 1: Victory Shot (band), 8 p.m.
•    Friday, July 2: Duppy Conquerers (band) 8 p.m.
“What’s new this year is we’re going to do a Blues Fest on July 3rd, the Saturday, and we have some nationally known artists that will be appearing on the common,” says Joe Carmignani, the lineup of the Saturday, July 3rd Blues Festival includes:
•    Padula Trio Plus One, 2 p.m.
•    Slam Allen Band, 4 p.m.
•    Mike Crandall Band, featuring Bruce Bears, 6 p.m.
•    Neal & the Vipers, 8 p.m.
As in years past, the carnival will take place each day of the festival, and the schedule is as follows:
•    June 30, 6-10 p.m., wristbands 6-10 p.m.
•    July 1, 6-10 p.m., wristbands 6-10 p.m.
•    July 2, 6-10 p.m.
•    July 3, 12-10, p.m. wristbands 12-5 p.m.
•    July 4, 12-5 p.m., wristbands 12-5 p.m.
As for fireworks, Carmignani explains that “we were hoping to have fireworks this year as well, but our biggest challenge with that is fundraising, and the fact we had to wait so long to determine anything has made it a bit more challenging.” Still the Franklin 4th of July Coalition will be sending notices out asking Franklin residents to chip in whatever they can for the event.
Bring your appetite, because, as of press time, the following local organizations had committed to running food booths:
Franklin Rod & Gun Club,
www.franklinrodandgun.org
•    Fried Dough
•    French Fries
•    Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Franklin Rotary Club,
https://portal.clubrunner.ca/
•    Hamburgers
•    Hot Dogs
Franklin Democrats,
www.franklindemocrats.com
•    Pizza
•    Water
Franklin July 4th Coalition,
www.franklin4th.com
•    Ice Cream
•    Soda
Franklin Republicans,
www.facebook.com/franklinmagop
•    Rootbeer Floats
•    Nachos
Temple Etz Chaim,
https://temple-etzchaim.org/
•    Lemonade
•    Pretzels

“We’ll be making updates on our website, www.franklin4th.com as well as on Franklin 4th of July Coalition on Facebook,” says Carmignani, who says it feels great to be planning the celebration this year. “I think a lot of people have been dealing with the environment we’ve been in in the past year –  I think people want to go out and do things and bring normalcy back. It’s an opportunity to go on the common, enjoy some music, enjoy some food, and people can go on the rides and feel safe.
One of the safety measures being implemented is a new contactless ticket system this year, which replaces paper tickets with a new card that can be scanned at the ride.
“People will be able to buy a ticket in advance online through Fiesta Shows, or they can buy it at the carnival,” says Carmignani.
For updated information as it comes, including a list of sponsors and volunteer opportunities, visit www.franklin4th.com.