By J.D. O’Gara
Franklin’s 4th of July Celebration continues the first four days of this month, until Sunday, July 4th, 2021.
Music will take place on:
•    Thursday, July 1: Victory Shot (band), 8 p.m.
•    Friday, July 2: Duppy Conquerers (band) 8 p.m.
•    Saturday, July 3rd : Blues Festival including:
- 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:

•    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.
This event, as it always has been, is funded entirely by sponsors, individual donations and fundraising, and it relies on volunteers. Franklin 4th of July Coalition will be sending notices out asking Franklin residents to chip in whatever they can for the event, and volunteers are encouraged to visit the website.
“We’ll be making updates on our website, www.franklin4th.com as well as on Franklin 4th of July Coalition on Facebook,” says Joe Carmignani, who organizes the event with Paul Kortick. This year will feature a new contactless ticket system, 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.