Main Street Franklin invites community to Summer Block Party

FRANKLIN — Main Street Franklin will host its popular Summer Block Party for a third year 5:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23.

“We started this because it was a celebration of the almost completion of our new streetscape in Franklin,” Village Trustee Pam Hansen said.

Franklin’s local businesses are highlighted during the Summer Block Party. The event will take place in the middle of downtown Franklin to give exposure to all of the local businesses.

The event has evolved into a family friendly night of fun for all ages, including craft cocktails for adults and activities for children.

Guests are encouraged to come hungry and enjoy the food trucks serving pizza, Mediterranean food and barbeque. Free popcorn and water will be available at the event.

The Sean Blackman Trio will be returning to the event for the third year to provide live entertainment.

New this year, the Bloomfield Hills High School drumline will perform.

“Tangerine Wine is always a very big draw for the adults because they come up with creative new cocktails,” said Susan Goldstrom, the interim economic development director for the village of Franklin.

Arts and Scraps, a Detroit organization that promotes sustainability and creativity,  will be at the event with sustainable activities for kids.

Children can also enjoy work trucks, a caricature artist, a henna artist, an ice cream truck and more.

“My favorite aspect of the Summer Block Party is the fact that hundreds of people come into the village and enjoy themselves,” Hansen said. “You are gonna walk up and down the street and there will be smiles, and that is what I enjoy the most.”

All proceeds from the Summer Block Party will benefit the Main Street Franklin Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization.

“It is bringing people together who maybe do not always get a chance to get together, but they come down here and they really have a good time,” Goldstrom said.

Sidewalk sales will take place at noon Aug. 23 in the downtown area. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check out the unique businesses throughout the village. Hansen said some merchants will often have little treats, sales or specials during the Summer Block Party.

“We think it’s really worthwhile for people to come down,” Hansen said.