Franklin Labor Day Round Up, parade, art fair return Sept. 2

FRANKLIN — Although summer is coming to a close, the fun continues in Franklin with its 79th annual Labor Day Round Up.

The Round Up is a family fair that runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 2 at Franklin Community Association Park, on Franklin Road, between 13 Mile and 14 Mile roads.

“It’s so much fun for people of all ages. The whole family can enjoy it,” said village resident Kathy Erlich, who organizes the event.

The Round Up features a parade at noon, inflatables, a petting farm and pony rides, a magic show, jugglers, an interactive circus, midway games, face painting, a classic car show, a bake sale, henna tattoos, historical society and garden club displays, dog rescue opportunities, food from Leo’s Coney Island, and many other treats — including roasted nuts, shaved ice, cotton candy, ice cream and more.

The Art in the Village fine art fair will be held  10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 2, celebrating its 43rd year on the Village Green. The show features close to 70 artists’ works in glass, pottery, fiber, furniture, jewelry, photography, painting, watercolor, wood, sculpture, metal and more.

“Most of the artists return year after year because they are successful, and people come and look for the artists that are their favorites,” said Jane Polan, who organizes the art show. “Many of the artists say it is their favorite fair to do. It’s a wonderful setting in the park.”

There will also be live musical performances throughout the day.

The year 2024 is historic for Franklin itself, as it celebrates the 200th anniversary of its settlement, begun in 1824. Many settlers worked in trades such as blacksmithing, carpentry, masonry and bricklaying. Over time, a lumber mill, a wagon and sleigh shop, a distillery and more opened up in the settlement.

A part of the bicentennial celebration is the Franklin School Reunion Sept. 1.

“People from all over the country are coming to the reunion who remember Franklin School,” said Erilich, who is also organizing the reunion.

Whether they attended, have siblings who attended or had friends who attended the school, all are invited to come to reconnect and reminisce, tour the Franklin Historical Museum 11 a.m.-2 p.m., walk inside Huda school — previously Franklin School — 2-4 p.m. and enjoy a happy hour with food and drinks at the Franklin Community Association Park 4-6 p.m. An RSVP at fcamichigan.org is required for the happy hour.

The historic Franklin Cider Mill, on the corner of Franklin Road and 14 Mile, will open over Labor Day weekend as well.

For more information on the events, visit www.fcamichigan.org.