PorchFest Almost Here...

Above, an image from Ithaca PorchFest (the original!).

The premiere of Franklin PorchFest is almost upon us! Details are live on the PorchFest web site. There you will find the list of performers and the times and locations of their performances. Go to https://franklin.porchfest.info/map/#schedule for all the information you need to enjoy this community event. PorchFest runs from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, June 1st with a June 2nd rain date.

PorchFest is a walkable event. Organizers ask that attendees please not walk in the streets or on the yards of neighboring properties. Obey traffic signals and crosswalks. Obey parking rules; lots are available in addition to street parking. Lots include the lot at the former Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School, Franklin Senior Center and Davis Thayer School. Handicapped parking is available at Main Street and High Street, Franklin Senior Center and the Franklin Library.

Of course, while PorchFest was “intended to showcase our local talent and share Franklin’s love of culture and music,” it has ended up being about other things, too. All politics is local and at least some of the Yes supporters for the upcoming June 11 vote to raise taxes by $6.8 million have opted to make their PorchFest location a rallying site for Yes voters...And, in tit-for-tat fashion, some No voters are now doing the same to their PorchFest locations.

The brave (or the uncommitted) will visit both.

For the PorchFest event at Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St., the date coincides with the grand opening of this year’s historical wedding dress exhibit (aka, The Bridal Exhibit), spanning approximately a century of Franklin history. During the string performance by the Metrowest Symphony, there will be a pause and a ribbon cutting at 2:30 pm to kick off the exhibit. Metrowest Symphony and the exhibit opening are rain or shine on Saturday.