Franklin plans Independence Day celebration with pet parades, music, prizes, fireworks

The City of Franklin has unveiled plans for the Independence Day holiday.

From a pet parade to live music and plenty of vendors on hand selling a variety of wares, the annual event has something for everyone, organizers say.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to downtown Franklin for this year's festivities, which will begin at 10 a.m. and are sponsored by the Franklin Lions Club.

The day will start with the second annual Pet Parade.

Contestants, which include both owners and pets, are encouraged to show up in patriotic clothes and costumes to walk a six-block route through the city.

The Children’s Patriotic Parade is planned for 5 p.m. and prizes will be up for grabs in the categories of best costume and decorated bikes and wagons.

Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m. and will be accompanied with music from the Nashville Yacht Club Band. Franklin city officials have suggested The Park at Harlinsdale as the prime viewing spot for the fireworks show, but the festivities don't end there.

After the fireworks and for the first time, the City of Franklin is hosting an after-party at the Factory at Franklin benefitting Friends of Franklin Parks and Ellie G’s Dreamworld (Franklin’s first inclusive Playground).

For more information about how to get involved or to learn more about the event or its vendors, visit www.franklinlionsclub.com.