Named by USA Today as a “Must See” place to view Christmas lights in 2015, Downtown Franklin, TN is glowing even brighter this holiday season thanks to the generous contributions of various local businesses, individuals and business owners who helped fund the lighting of 12 trees lining the Public Square in the 16-block Historic Register district.
The Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) — an accredited Main Street organization of more than 200 local business owners committed to historic preservation and community vibrancy — coordinated and fundraised over $12,000 in order to place 251 lit spheres in each tree.
“The newly illuminated trees, along with the City of Franklin’s new majestic tree, take Downtown Franklin, TN’s holiday enchantment up a notch” said Marianne DeMeyers, DFA president and owner of Tin Cottage. “I am really proud of how our donors came together to put their mark on the holiday lighting this year. I hope it is a new holiday tradition that continues to get better year after year.”
The decorative trees further complement the new 40-foot Christmas tree in the center of the Square that the City of Franklin assembles each year as the centerpiece of Franklin’s holiday decor.
The additional lights this year can be attributed to the efforts of the DFA Lighting Committee created by the organization’s Design Chair, Ernie Reynolds. The committee is made of up members with a variety of backgrounds, including Lisa Biggers, owner of J.J. Ashley’s and Marianne Schroer, executive director of Williamson County CASA.
For the third year, the Presenting Sponsor for the holiday lights is Franklin Synergy Bank.
“This partnership is very important to us,” said Aimee Punessen, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Franklin Synergy Bank. “Downtown Franklin is the location of our headquarters. It has always been our pleasure to participate in this event that is so meaningful to our community. Plus, it’s always fun to see our friends and neighbors.”
Gold Sponsors include J.J. Ashley’s, Outdoor Classic Structures, Tin Cottage, Historic Hanner Building with Heart and Hands, including The Cellar on Main. Silver Sponsors include Williamson County CASA and CJ’s Off The Square.
To learn more about Historic Downtown Franklin and the work of the Downtown Franklin Association, visit its website, www.DowntownFranklinTN.com.
More About Downtown Franklin Association
Since its founding in 1984, the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) has spearheaded the revitalization of Franklin’s historic downtown core. We’ve done it by following the four-point program of the National Main Street Center of the National Trust for Historic Preservation: Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Vitality.
Working in partnership with the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County–the DFA’s parent organization–and with property owners, preservationists, city and county government, and local businesses in our historic retail district, the DFA has helped create one of the nation’s Main Street success stories. We’ve earned national recognition as an authentic, eclectic place that offers something for everyone in an atmosphere that reminds locals and visitors alike of a simpler time in our history – a place where community matters.
