Franklin – 2018 will start with a thrill in Franklin on Monday, January 1st.  This year marks the 38th anniversary of kayakers splashing and slicing through snow and ice-filled class IV rapids on New Year’s Day.  Each year more spectators gather to see such a sight. Downtown businesses will be open for eating and shopping.

Paddlers will take to the water between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. with novice and intermediate boaters paddling the “Upper” Winnipesaukee from Route 140 to the Train Station in Northfield.  Advanced boaters will paddle the “Lower” Winnipesaukee from Cross Mill Road in Northfield to downtown Franklin taking out at Trestle View Park. See video of past events online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=st6g6z1-9NY.

Choose Franklin invites all businesses, organizations and groups to be a part of the festivities.  Organizations can reserve table space in the heated tent, free of charge, by calling 380-0246.  Be a part of the festivities, inform spectators of your winter activities, and help welcome the Merrimack Valley Paddlers and Friends of the Winnipesaukee River as they paddle down the Winnipesaukee River in Franklin, Northfield and Tilton again this year.

Spectators are encouraged to attend with best viewing at Trestle View Park which is the take out for paddlers on the lower section.  The park will feature a heated tent with coffee, cocoa, chili and “Hoppin’ John”, provided by Choose Franklin, the Franklin Outing Club and Franklin Savings Bank, along with information about the wealth of activities being put on by area organizations this winter.  Spectators can walk, snowshoe or ski  to viewing areas on the Winnipesaukee River Trail to watch paddlers coming down the class III and IV rapids.

Choose Franklin is the main sponsor of First Day Franklin and is seeking co-sponsors for the event. In prior years, Franklin Savings Bank provided refreshments for the tent set-up crew. Franklin Fire Department, Franklin Parks & Recreation, Aubuchon Hardware and Franklin Storage Company provide tables, heat and electricity for the event tent.

For more information, to reserve a table for your organization, to volunteer to help with the tent or refreshments, to be a sponsoring partner, or be involved in any way, please contact: Dan Darling at Heartstring Media (603) 380-0246; or Sarah Stanley at Franklin Savings Bank (603) 934-8343.