Santa Fe Trail Days

Elisha Wells Stroupe
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Baby Contest!

This Friday and Saturday, September 15th and 16th, is the annual Santa Fe Trail Days in New Franklin.  I have many memories of Santa Fe Trail Days - marching in the parade, being a victim of the pie throwing contest, and most embarrassing of all, a member of many lip sync groups.  Overall, I’m very glad I didn’t grow up in the digital age because those would be very humiliating to watch.  Karaoke is pretty popular nowadays, so a new generation can head out with their smartphones and get an entertaining video.  

There are lots of things to look forward to this year.  Friday night is kids night with many free and inexpensive activities to keep your little ones busy.  It starts at 6:30 and includes activities such as a bounce house, barrel trains, air tattoos, games, and much more.  Concessions start at 6:00, so you don’t even have to worry about dinner.  At 7:00 P.M., the annual Little Mr. and Miss contest starts (registration at 6:30) and a limbo contest starts at 7:30 as well.  

Saturday is jam packed with family fun, as usual.  Biscuits and gravy are served, starting at 7:30 on the street near the beer tents.  Vendors will be set up all over town and the baby contest will also be Saturday morning.  Concessions will run throughout the day, a fundraiser split amongst the high school classes, and the parade starts at 1:00 P.M.  The New Franklin Park Board is holding a pie-eating contest at 2:00, $5 to participate with all profits to be used for park improvements.  The New Franklin senior class will also hold a mouse race at 4:30 with a grand prize of $50.  Place bets and enjoy an entertaining fundraiser.

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Parade at 1:00 P.M.

Don’t worry all non-parentals or parentals that just want a night out on your own.  The beer garden is back Friday (opening at 6:30 P.M.) and Saturday (opening at noon), and Saturday afternoon there will be karaoke, for those of you brave souls, from 2:00 to 6:00, and St8 Arrow will perform from 8:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. in the beer garden.  Starting at 5 P.M., there will be a $2 entry fee into the beer garden.  Not a beer fan?  Margaritas are also available.      

Concessions, vendors, games, and other events will take place throughout the day.  Most importantly, remember that Santa Fe Trail Days is a great opportunity for the local organizations to raise money, so your money will be well spent and your day will be highly enjoyable.  Check out the flyer for more events and detail.  Have a great Santa Fe Trail Days!  

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