By J.D. O’Gara

This summer is going to be hot in Franklin, meaning a smoking hot 4th of July celebration complete with Franklin’s 2nd Annual Blues Festival, summer concessions and rides, and ever popular – fireworks! The Franklin July 4th Coalition, led by Joe Carmignani and Paul Kortick since 2017, has been hard at work planning a celebration worthy of our nation’s birthdate. 

At press time, the duo had just confirmed approval by the town and the state fire Marshall for fireworks to take place at the end of day on July 2nd.

“That day, July 2nd, we’re going to have the carnival on the common, the 2nd Annual Blues Fest until 9:30, and then people can walk down to the high school for fireworks at 10. It should be a great day,” said Carmignani.

The festivities aren’t limited to one day, however. Fun begins on June 30th, with entertainment and a carnival each day and concession booths run by local nonprofit groups, including the Franklin July 4th Coalition, the Franklin Democratic and Republican Town Committees, Temple Etz Chaim, the Franklin Rotary Club and the Franklin Rod & Gun Club. 

“We might also have some additional food trucks, but I would suggest people check the website (Franklin4th.com),” said Carmignani, who hopes this year will see better weather, as “last year was a total washout, except for the 4th of July itself.”

Many of the same musical performers are returning, with a few new acts. Mo Bounce (funk, soul and R&B) will return as an opening act for the five-day festival, playing on June 30th, with Duppy Conquerors (reggae) following on July 1st. For the Blues Fest on July 2nd, the lineup includes Franklin’s own Padula Trio plus One, Neal and the Vipers, Ed Peabody and the Big Blue Thang, Mike Crandall Band, and Sugar Ray and the Bluetones. 

“Sugar Ray and the Bluetones have been playing with the same band members for 35 years. They just played at the Tampa Blues Festival, one of the biggest blues festivals in the country,” said Carmignani. The next day, on July 3rd, Attleboro School of Rock will play, followed by Mike Ravelis, (Matt Zajac (acoustic rock), and then country band Backyard Swagger, and on the fourth of July, local musician Jamie Barrett will start the entertainment, followed by NH-based Granite Brass, a patriotic quintet, and then the Jesse Liam Band (pop music) to close out the day.

“All the entertainment is free,” says Carmignani, who encourages folks to donate, as this event relies solely on donations and sponsorships. “We’re going to be sending a letter out to residents in the community in the next three weeks,” he adds. “People can donate through the website, www.franklin4th.com, or they can send a check in, payable to:

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

po box 307, Franklin, MA 02038

This year, visitors to the event can also donate through Venmo through a QR code on the common.

In addition to donations, Franklin’s 4th of July celebration couldn’t run without volunteers.

“We certainly could use volunteers, especially for things like cleanup and stuff like that,” says Carmignani. “If people want to volunteer, we’d appreciate that. They can reach out to either of us.” 

At press time, Carmignani was hoping to offer a beer garden, but that had not yet been confirmed. As in previous years, Fiesta Shows will provide the rides, and since last year, attendees could use credit cards to pay as well as cash. 

Overall, this year promises a fun celebration.

“I think given everything that’s happened over the last two years, people want to go out and celebrate, and we want to keep this carnival, with rides and food and entertainment on the Common, going in the town of Franklin,” says Carmignani, “Please do what you can to support us, as we’re a nonprofit run by volunteers.” 

Carmignani especially thanks sponsors, who last year included: 

Platinum: Learning Express, Garelick Farms, Fiesta Shows, ReMax Executive Realty

Gold: Keefe Insurance, Amica Insurance, Daddario Hardware & Supply, Ames Financial Services, Costello Realty, Dean Bank, Fenton Financial Group, Vendetti Motors, Colonial Fence, Dean College, Re/Max Executive Realty, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Franklin Agway, Grove St. Auto Repair, Notturno Plumbing & Heating, Power Painting Plus, SPS Movers

Silver: Aubuchon Hardware, Allegra Printing, Bellezza Day Spa, Franklin Lighting Center, Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Elizabeth’s Bagels & More, Hillside Nurseries, Ballarino Custom Building, Byrne Financial Freedom, LLC, Charles F. Oteri & Son Funeral home, Franklin Car Wash, Franklin Glass, Taylor True Value Rental, First Class Marble & Granite, Simon’s, George’s Oil, Inc., Planet Fitness, Kelly’s Landscaping, Mint Dental, PGC Associates, Turetsky Consulting, Franklin All Access TV, Franklin Newcomers & Friends, The Rome Restaurant, Union Wine & Liquors, Vet Med

Bronze: The Dog’s Pace, Hair Designs by Helene & Co., Don Ranieri Plumbing & Heating, Crescent Street Printing Co., Jimmy D’s, Hair Mania, Rail Good Coffee, The Dance Studio

Special Thanks to the Town of Franklin for helping to coordinate this event.