Friends of Franklin Parks & Pilgrimage Festival Team Up for 4th of July Event

Harlinsdale Farm



Each year, thousands from Franklin and surrounding communities converge on the Park at Harlinsdale Farm on July 4th to watch the city’s free fireworks show. This Independence Day, Friends of Franklin Parks and the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival are partnering to enhance the experience, bringing live music to the new Tractor Supply Co. Arena at Harlinsdale.

“We work closely with the Parks Department, and together we saw an opportunity to do something extra for all the people who come to watch fireworks at Harlinsdale. With this beautiful new arena, permanent restrooms and a concessions stand, we now have a facility that can make the July 4th event more comfortable for families,” said Dr. Monty McInturff, president of Friends of Franklin Parks. “Our partners at the Pilgrimage Festival were excited to add some musical components, and we believe it will enhance the whole Independence Day experience.”

Starting at 6 p.m., Events and Catering by Suzette will be grilling burgers, brats and hot dogs at the concessions stand, and cold beverages and treats will be available for purchase. Guests can grab a seat on the terraced berm or set up blankets and chairs in the arena. At 6:45, live music will begin and run until the fireworks start at dark.

The lineup from the curators at Pilgrimage includes Hobo Cane, People on the Porch, and Daphne & The Mystery Machines, with the latter being featured at the two-day festival in September that will bring fans from all over to Harlinsdale.

The Independence Day event is free and open to the public, with food and beverage available for purchase. Donations to the non-profit Friends of Franklin Parks will be appreciated, and proceeds will be used to make further improvements to the Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Friends of Franklin Parks is currently raising funds to add additional amenities to the Tractor Supply Co. Arena, including a warm-up ring and a roof on the historic mare barn.

“Our first year in the new Arena has been fantastic, and we’re very appreciative of the public response to the effort to bring horses back to Harlinsdale,” McInturff said. “These kinds of events are fun, and it feels good knowing whatever donations we raise will be put right back into making the park even better for the public.”

Presenting sponsors for the July 4th program are Berry Farms – a Boyle Development, and Berry Farms Animal Hospital.

“Preserving Franklin’s history and maximizing open spaces is important to Boyle’s development team and is integral to the design of projects like Berry Farms in South Franklin,” said Adam Ballash, development manager at Boyle Investment Company and a Friends of Franklin Parks Board member. “We are thrilled to continue our support of Friends of Franklin Parks and the legacy they’re leaving for future generations here in Franklin.”

The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival recently announced the lineup for the two-day festival with more to be announced and will take place Sept. 24-25. For more information, visit www.pilgrimagefestival.com.

To learn more about the Tractor Supply Co. Arena, including a full schedule of events, visit www.tractorsupplycoarena.com.

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