Iris Park, volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 126 Committee, likes the “Light Up Franklin” New Year’s Eve initiative. Folks in town order luminary kits (deadline December 13th) , which will be distributed at the Franklin Historical Museum at 80 West Central Street on Sunday, December 22nd, from 1-3 p.m. and Saturday, December 28th, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. (A portion of the proceeds is shared with both the Franklin Historical Museum and the Franklin Food Pantry.) Boy Scouts also deliver the kits to Franklin residents for an extra $3. Then, on New Year’s Eve, at 6 p.m., everyone joins together in lighting their luminaries.

“We’ve done candles and chocolate and popcorn,” says Park, “This was a little different. We thought of this during COVID – what the boys could do that was contactless. And then the first two years were very successful. I was surprised how a lot of families participated.”

Park and her son, who finished his last year attaining Eagle with Boy Scouts last year, would do the deliveries.

Park especially likes the day of pickup at the museum. “We usually have it on the same day Santa is going to be at the museum, and it’s nice for the boys to … talk and reach out to community.” 

Last year, the effort raised $500 for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

The fundraiser also provided funds for the troop, which numbers 25-30 Scouts about now, says Park, to go to Philmont Boy Scout camp as well as Fin, Fur & Feather.

The fundraiser has become more popular. Park notes that the first year, 80 luminary kits were sold, and last year, the troop sold about 250. Park says she sees several homeowner associations getting into the event, which adds to the feeling of community.

“We get the pictures throughout the night; it’s just gorgeous lit up outside,” she says.