Franklin Tennessee's 2012 4th of July Celebration titled "Franklin On The 4th" is moving from downtown, to
"The Park at Harlinsdale".
This year's theme, "Franklin's Backyard", will focus on family fun including, Music, Crafts, large kids zone, petting zoo (including pony rides), and new this year a hot dog eating contest.
Harlinsdale Farm has been called the most significant historic farm associated with the modern Tennessee Walking Horse industry. In 1933, W.W. Harlin established the farm on the northern outskirts of great renown in the fledging Tennessee Walking Horse Industry. As famous as the farm itself is its prize stallion Midnight Sun. This famous horse became the first repeat World Grand Champion. The success of Midnight Sun in the ring and as a sire has never been matched by any other Tennessee Walking Horse. Even today, most champion Walking Horses trace their lineage to Midnight Sun.
From the 1940’s until the present day, the farm has served mainly as a breeding operation, run by the Harlin Family. In 2004, the Harlin Family expressed interest in selling the 200 acre farm to the City of Franklin, understanding that the property would be developed as a passive park while maintaining and protecting the Walking Horse history. The City of Franklin readily agreed and began an extensive public planning process to design the master plan that would reflect the history of the farm, while including the wants and needs of the public.
Amenities
• 200 acres rolling farmland
• 1/2 acre dog park
• 3 acre pond -catch and release fishing, State license req'd
• Temporary restroom facilities
• 5k soft track (turf) for walking or running
• Public Parking (located near the main entrance)
This event is coordinated by The Franklin Lions Club and TN Events
in conjunction with the City of Franklin, and benefits The Franklin Lions Club
Starting at 2p.m. the park will be bustling with music, children's activities, food, crafts, and a million other things to do and see! The Kid's Zone will be filled with things to dazzle the little ones including face painting, the Sponge Bob Bounce House, slides, climbing walls and other inflatables. There will also be an expanded craft vendor section featuring high quality hand made items.
The tradtion of the "Children's Parade" will continue and begin at 5pm. (Children will begin lining up at a designated marked location at 4:45) There will be Prizes for best costume and decorated bikes and wagons. Pets are welcome!
One of the benefits, and reasons for moving the celebration to this location is that this is an excellent location from which to view the fireworks! This years celebration continues until the fireworks are complete!
Bring your family, your picnic basket (or buy the food and drink from one of our many vendors), blanket and chairs, and come on out!
Applications for vendors and performers are available by clicking on the application tab at the top of this page.
Stay tuned for more information in the coming days............
