Recently my family and I enjoyed an evening full of holiday magic at the second annual Franktown Festival of Lights. I love the holidays and supporting local businesses and charities, so when the invitation to attend the media night right here in Franklin, TN., I happily said yes and started moving things around on my planner. I am so glad I did because we all enjoyed the Family Fun at Franktown Festival of Lights! If you are ready to get into the holiday spirit and can make the drive to Franklin, TN. Then read on to learn all about the Franktown Festival of lights.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Franktown Festival of Lights. I received information to facilitate today’s post as well as a free family pass to media event. All opinions and love of holidays and giving are my own.
Meet Franktown Festival of Lights Host: FrankTown Open Hearts:
Founded in 2002 by Wayne Howell and located in Franklin, TN, Franktown Open Hearts (FOH) is a nonprofit organization committed to inner-city youth. FOH brings physical and spiritual hope to low-income youth by instilling critical life skills while providing Christ-centered mentoring, weekly vocational education and experiences that prepare underserved youth for the future. We provide transportation to and from our programs that include nightly hot meals, academic assistance, mentoring, college entrance test prep and college application assistance, recreation and spiritual growth opportunities for youth ages 8-18 through the program’s educational and vocational classes.
I'd heard of all the good works this ministry does through our local church, so when I visited their website, I was happily surprised to see the variety of developmental programs they provide such as:
- Arts & Crafts
- Automotive
- Culinary Arts
- Steam
- Fishing, Safety and Land Conservation
- Leadership Development
- Recreational Development
- Sewing
- Spiritual Development
- Tutoring
- Woodworking
- Squad
To learn more about the programs I’ve shared, or find out how you can volunteer, just go to their website.
About the Franktown Festival of Lights:
The Franktown Festival of Lights, hosted by Franktown Open Hearts and presented by Franklin Synergy Bank, delights young and old with over a mile-long Christmas-spirited experience that features thousands of sparkling holiday lights. The festival runs from November 22 through December 28, so there is time to plan your family outing.
In its second year, the Franktown Festival of Lights is Williamson County’s only drive-thru light spectacular. Attendees can relax in the comfort of their own car and wind their way through more than 200 light displays while listening to Christmas classics on the radio, some of which will be synchronized with the displays.
Video from First Year's Franktown Festival of Lights:
We really
enjoyed the lights and following along on the Twelve Days of Christmas themed
lights!
And of
course, the carolers, Noel and Peace we beautiful standouts. I think little
kids will love the synchronized lights most of all!
Welcome
to Santa’s Village:
New
to this year’s route is Lee Company’s Santa’s Village where families can get
their photo with Santa!
Your a Cool One, Mr. Grinch:
For
the tween and teens in your family, I bet they’ll adore snapping selfies with
The Grinch!
While
in Santa’s Village you can enjoy hot drinks and cookies, holiday activities and
games, get a kiss on the hand from a cute monkey at Sunshine Monkey Shines and
lots more.
More Fun Awaits Outside at Santa’s Village:
When
we attended, it was a perfect fall weather night. My girls enjoyed riding the
carousel and the Ferris Wheel a lot, but then they noticed the petting zoo and
that’s where we spent a good portion of our time.
Enjoy Santa’s Petting Zoo:
Have
you ever wanted to see Santa’s reindeer? Here you can! They are so pretty and a
little shy compared to some of the more friendly animals who kept getting out
of their pins. I’m looking at you little goats! See how cute they are in the next photo.
There
are lots of animals there to pet and feed including Llamas, several types of
goats, a cute little donkey, and even Scottish Highland Cows. Just look at that sweet face!
Quarters needed to Feed Animals:
Feeding
the animals is lots of fun, so parents, bring quarters because your kids of all
ages are going to need them. To
round out your time at Santa’s petting zoo, you can snap pictures while your
kids enjoy a camel or pony ride.
Come Join the Fun: Now through December 28th:
Conveniently
located at the Williamson County Ag Center, the affordable $25 per car
donation will help Franktown Open Hearts continue 28 after-school programs,
nightly dinners and summer camp experiences for over 120 kids. And, because of
their life skills teaching program that incorporates “work-reward principles,”
Franktown Open Hearts recently gave away their 30th car to a deserving
teen. What a fantastic way to incentize hard work and dedication in our teens!
How to get to the
Ag Center:
The
Williamson County Ag Center in Franklin, Tennessee, is located just
off I-65 and Peytonsville Road, Exit 61. Once off Peytonsville Road
Exit, turn left on Long Lane W and follow helpful parking staff to the Festival
of Lights. You will see them lit up well before you park.
How
to Buy Ticket in advance and Specials:
Tickets are $25
per car and can be purchased at the gate or in advance HERE. In addition, a $5 discount will be
extended to Veterans and First Responders, with the code HEROES, and for
Williamson County and Franklin Special School District Students, Faculty and
Staff, the code PENCIL.
Fun and Giving all in One Event:
This
really is a fun family outing. Not only will you be making treasured memories
with your loved ones, you will be helping Open Hearts continue doing good works
for and with our kids in our community. I can’t think of a better way to kick
off this wonderful season of giving!
From
my family to yours: Happy Thanksgiving! Safe Travels and Merry Christmas too!
Please
share in comments: Will you be attending this event, or an event like this in
your area?
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