Latest news with #FranklinPride
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Thousands attend 5th annual Franklin Pride event
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — Despite the stormy weather, thousands of people went to the fifth annual Franklin Pride festival Saturday to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. 'It can seem like the community is very small,' festivalgoer Brandy Brown told News 2. 'However, it's really not, and you can see the amount of people that are here today, how important it is, and how necessary that it is to continue to support it and to show the youth that there are people here who care about them, too.' Attendees said Franklin Pride provides an opportunity for them to be their authentic selves. Cloudy skies can't dim joy as thousands fill nation's capital for World Pride parade 'I came out as gay as a pastor, and it was a nightmare and it was really difficult to find my way to where I am today, and so I was like, 'Man, we got to help people in this process,' and so we're here offering our services and making sure people know that we're available,' Mike Maeshiro explained. The event on Saturday, June 7 was heavily secured by the Franklin Police Department, as well as private security, to prevent any unwelcome occurrences at the festival. Organizers said a couple of people who 'weren't aligned with Franklin Pride's mission' were asked to leave. 'I think what's really important is that we come to community events like this, and you talk to people who are not like you, and you realize that we are all connected and that kindness is the most important thing,' eventgoer Coco Rogers told News 2. PREVIOUS: Supporters send donations to Franklin Pride after sponsors drop out A few months ago, News 2 reported how the nation's political climate posed a challenge for planning this year's event. However, organizers said the community rallied together to help. 'We lost a couple of big sponsors at the beginning of the year, and the community really stepped up, and they show us that they want us to be here and that we're important to the community,' Clayton Klutts, president and organizer of Franklin Pride, said. Rain or shine, festivalgoers said Saturday's event was an overall success. ⏩ 'I think we just want to thank the community for really showing up this year. This would not be possible without all the support that we've gotten,' said organizer Spencer Lyst. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Franklin Pride celebrates 5 years in June at Park at Harlinsdale Farm
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — Organizers with Franklin Pride have announced the festival will return to the Park at Harlinsdale Farm for its fifth anniversary. The free, nationally-recognized event will be on June 7 from noon to 6 p.m. The community-led, family-friendly event is designed to celebrate, support, engage and unite the LGBTQ+ community in the greater Franklin area, according to a release from the organizers. Hayes House open to the public following renovations Because the event has been so successful in past years — and with an expected turnout of around 10,000 — organizers said those wishing to attend will need to secure a free ticket through a special online link. The event will be 'heavily secured by both the Franklin Police Department as well as private security groups,' according to the festival organizers, and attendees are urged to bring only a clear bag for any items they may need to bring to the event. Once there, guests will be treated to plenty of local food, drink and nearly 120 local vendors, as well as two stages full of nonstop entertainment, according to organizers. The musical headliner will be Gwen Levey and the Breakdown, an 'electrifying Southern Americana band known for their soulful vocals and high-energy live shows.' Festival emcees will be Patrick Custer, of the 'Rooted Recovery Stories' podcast, and Braunwyn Spencer, of The Real Housewives of Orange County fame. Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More Other performers at the festival include Major Minors, Sissel Reid Band, Sisterns Mann, Dianne Davidson, Bryan Ruby, Diane King, Brian Falduto, Daniel Sinclair, and Corry Michaels. New to the festival this year will be the presentation of the inaugural Mr. and Ms. Franklin Pride, according to organizers. Parking is available for free on-site. Gates open for the festival at 11 a.m. For more information, . Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
