Still accepting sponsors through June 12

Plans for the five-day Franklin 4th celebration are well underway, with the event taking place this year from July 1-5. The event boasts a carnival by Fiesta Showsl every night, with musical entertainment and food booths. Fireworks will take place on the night of July 2, and the 8th Mike Crandall Blues Festival, always a highlight, will take place on our nation’s 250th birthday, July 4, 2026.

Be sure to check out the food booths run by local nonprofits! This year, those booths include:

• Franklin 4th -of July Coalition: soda ,ice cream

Franklin Rod & Gun Club: fried dough, French fries, iced tea

• Franklin Democratic Committee: pizza, hot dogs, water

• Franklin High School Class of 1978—strawberry shortcake 

Joe Carmignani and Paul Kortick, organizers of the event, which is 100% privately funded, are in the process of securing sponsors for this year. Sponsors will appear in their mailing and on banners. Any businesses interested can reach out by June 12th. Potential sponsors, as well as individuals who’d like to contribute, should reach out on the event website at www.franklin4th.com.

Volunteers are also needed as well, for things like trash removal and cleanup. This is a great opportunity for student volunteer hours, says Carmignani.

At press time, the following schedule had been set. Look for more details in our July issue!

Wednesday, July 1

Carnival Hours:  6-10, Wrist bands: 6-10, Music: 8-10

8 p.m.: GQ & The Lady, a musically diverse dance band with versatile and dynamic lead female vocalists

Thursday, July 2

Carnival Hours:  6-10, Wrist bands: 6-10, Music: 6-10, Fireworks: 10

6 p.m.: Garden of Hedon, a 70s-influenced psychedelic blues-rock band.

8 p.m.: The Zajac Brothers, features songwriter Tyler Zajac and his brother Matthew on drums

Friday July 3

Carnival Hours:  12-10, Wrist bands: 12-5, MEGAPASS: 12-10, Music: 12-10

12 p.m., Two Guys Who Like Sharks, acoustic rock with driving bass lines

1:15 p.m.,  Midnight Ride, high-energy rock from 60s to 90s

2:45 p.m., George Cross Project, a unique blend of ‘East Coast Blues’

4:15 p.m., Attleboro School of Rock, a leader in performance-based music education

6 p.m.,  Full Circle, a five-piece Rock & Roll dance band

8 p.m., Jeff Pitchell, an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and recording artist

Saturday, July 4

12-10 p.m. Mike Crandall Franklin Blues Festival: Local, National and International Blues Artists perform and pay tribute to Mike Crandall and his music.

12 p.m.,  ED PEABODY & THE BIG BLUE THANG 

1:15 p.m., THE BRANDT TAYLOR BAND

2:30 p.m., NEAL & THE VIPERS

3:45 p.m. - MIKE CRANDALL TRIBUTE BAND

5 p.m. - SUGAR RAY & THE BLUETONES

6:15 p.m. - CARL RICCI & 706 UNION AVE 

7:30 p.m. - THE DARRELL NULISCH BAND

8:45 p.m. - RICHIMAND & GROOVE NICE

Carnival Hours:  12-10,  Wrist bands, 12-5, MEGAPASS: 12-10 , Music: 12-10 

Sunday, July 5

Carnival Hours:  12-6, Wrist bands: 12-4, MEGAPASS: 12-6, Music: 12-6

12 p.m., Jamie Barrett, a beloved Franklin singer, songwriter, guitarist and teacher

1 p.m., Padula Family Band, Franklin’s own performs timeless jazz standards and the sounds of blues

3 p.m., Midnight Ride,  - Midnight Ride, Dave Fields offers soulful singing with guitar virtuosity

4:45 p.m.,  Beantown Swing Orchestra, distinct big band sound recognized by generations worldwide