By Stephen Smoot
Summertime in Pendleton County brings out the festivals and the fun. From fire department community party fundraisers to fish rodeos and tales of treasure, no one has an excuse to miss the party.
Every year in July, Franklin adds to the throng of events with Summer Fun Fest.
A solid slate of entertainment for children and adults alike greeted those who went to Franklin Town Park on Saturday afternoon and evening.
“I think it’s terrific that the town puts on events like this,” said Robin Alt, who attended with members of her family. “All of those who worked hard to put this on deserve thanks.”
Elizabeth Scott, an administrator with the Town of Franklin who worked to help organize Summer Fun Fest, said that she was very pleased with the turnout – especially with “a lot of local events going on today.”
One area in which she tried to improve the experience for attendees was the overall setup. “I feel like with the layout, we finally got it right,” she noted.
Attractions for children, including a bouncy house sponsored by the Family Support Center, were placed near the town swimming pool. An “adult” section that permitted consumption of alcoholic beverages sold on site was marked off with yellow tape. It formed a circular shape with the large music tent placed in the middle.
Almost all of the seats were quickly filled early in the afternoon as Jack and Davis Reid took the stage to play country favorites. They were followed later by Cameron Simmons, Mike Eye, and Spencer Hatcher and the Ol’ Son Gang.
A first-time vendor, Gulp and Gallop, helped the crowd keep cool in the summer sun with tropical potent potables. Tasha Sponaugle, who along with her husband Isaac operate the mobile bar from a converted horse trailer, brought two bartenders, Jenny Harman and Ann Nesbit, with a total of 21 years of experience.
“We’re going really good,” she said, adding that it’s been an awesome turnout.” Sponaugle praised Scott, saying that she “has worked hard to keep this event going and she’s done a fantastic job.”
“The community needs this,” Sponaugle concluded.
This weekend will see more family fun as the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department holds its annual lawn party at the carnival grounds in Franklin. This will serve as one of the department’s most vital fundraising efforts of the year. Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday with fireworks scheduled at dusk on Friday and a parade at 6 p.m. Saturday.
