Saturday was the perfect day for the annual Frolic on Franklin, a celebration of local arts and artisans. Partly sunny skies and a cooling breeze drifted over Franklin Street as vendors set up their tents and sidewalk displays for the event, which featured demonstrations of painting, wood-turning, and other crafts.
The sidewalk in front of the Roxy Regional Theater became an impromptu stage, with ample seating under a canopy for those who chose to watch dancers, or listen to vocalists and musicians who offered non-stop entertainment. The days activities were capped by the Gala Opening of the 2008-09 Roxy Season and the initial production, The Robber Bridegroom.
Though crowds of browsers seemed evident throughout the day, a number of merchants noted that both attendance and purchasing was down from last year, with some speculating that economic factors including high gas prices across the region continue to impact retail and discretionary sales. Nonetheless, those who attended seemed happy with a day spent at an old-fashioned “Main Street” fair.
Photos by Bill Larson
