The 12th annual Choose Franklin Community Day will be held on Saturday, May 14, rain or shine. This year’s event, sponsored by Franklin Savings Bank and Mix 94.1 FM, will take place at Odell Park, located on Memorial Street in downtown Franklin.

Prior to the event, the Paul Smith School PTO will hold the Hero Hustle, a 5K Fun Run/Walk on River Street in Franklin, which will begin at 8 AM. Community Day activities will begin at 10 AM when booths, games, and food concessions open for the day. There will be a Wildlife Encounters show at 11 AM, courtesy of Hope Community Chapel.

At noon, the Three Rivers Chorale will perform at the gazebo; there will be a karate demonstration by White Tiger Karate at 12:15 PM on the softball field; and the Franklin Public Library will sponsor Mad Science at 1 PM, also at the Odell gazebo.  In addition, there will be a climbing wall and bungee jump, petting zoo, pony rides, and children’s games and activities throughout the day.

This year’s parade/event theme is “Franklin Heroes, Past and Present.” The parade will step off at Franklin High School at 10 AM and proceed easterly on Central Street to Smith Street, where it will turn and continue to Odell Park.

The fair continues from 10 AM to 2 PM and will include games, craft booths, and food vendors. Many area service organizations and businesses will participate with raffles, giveaways, etc. There is no admission fee for the fair or shows. An all-day wrist band can be purchased for $10 for admittance to the activity area (bungee jump, petting zoo, pony rides, games, etc.)