FrankTown Open Hearts: Supporting Local Youth with the Festival of Lights
The holiday season in Franklin, Tennessee, shines a little brighter each year, thanks to the much-anticipated FrankTown Festival of Lights. This annual event, hosted by FrankTown Open Hearts and presented by Family Radio, is more than just a dazzling display of lights; it’s a source of support and opportunity for the underserved youth in the community. With over 1.5 miles of synchronized holiday light displays, concessions, and special activities, the festival draws in families from all over Williamson County, making it a cherished tradition. But beyond the lights and festive spirit lies the heart of the event: its mission to empower and uplift local youth.
FrankTown Open Hearts: Empowering Through Opportunity
FrankTown Open Hearts, under the leadership of Executive Director Chris Barnhill, is dedicated to bringing both physical and spiritual hope to low-income youth in the Williamson County community. Their mission focuses on equipping young individuals with critical life skills through academic support, mentoring, recreation, and opportunities for spiritual growth. Serving youth from Kindergarten through 12th grade, FrankTown offers weekly educational and vocational classes designed to empower and uplift.
Meeting four nights a week and on Saturdays, FrankTown Open Hearts offers more than educational programs. The organization ensures participants have access to a hot meal each night and provides transportation to and from all activities. “We’re dedicated to offering over 700 program hours,” says Barnhill, “and we expect to serve 15,000 nutritious meals to participants on weeknights, weekends, and during the summer.” In addition to meal provisions, FrankTown helps eliminate transportation challenges by providing over 10,400 safe and reliable rides annually, ensuring youth can consistently access these essential services.
Education is a core pillar of FrankTown Open Hearts’ mission to empower at-risk youth. In addition to its regular programming, the organization offers vital services such as college entrance test preparation and college application assistance, helping students navigate the path to higher education and a brighter future. Each year, FrankTown also hosts a Spring College Tour Experience, giving 20-30 high school students the opportunity to explore university campuses. As Barnhill notes, this experience “inspires them to pursue higher education and plan for their futures.” With a steadfast commitment to maintaining a 100% graduation rate for its seniors, FrankTown is making a significant impact on the academic and personal success of the youth it serves.
Franktown Open Hearts Summer and Holiday Events
The organization goes above and beyond to engage youth through enriching summer programs and memorable holiday events. From May to July, FrankTown Open Hearts hosts summer camps that provide educational and fun experiences for 120 children, fostering personal growth and lifelong memories. Additionally, the organization offers summer internships to high school students, equipping them with hands-on work experience and mentorship to help prepare them for their careers.
Holiday events are another important facet of FrankTown’s offerings. During Thanksgiving, the organization hosts a Thanksgiving Feast that brings together youth and their families for a warm meal. As Christmas approaches, FrankTown’s Christmas Shopping Event pairs inner-city Franklin children with “Shopperones” (volunteer families) for a meaningful shopping experience. This event not only provides gifts but also teaches valuable lessons about generosity, community, and empathy.
Through these summer and holiday events, FrankTown Open Hearts continues to create enriching opportunities for youth while fostering a strong sense of community and personal growth.
FrankTown Festival of Lights: A Must-See Holiday Tradition in Williamson County
The FrankTown Festival of Lights, now in its 7th year, has grown to become one of the most anticipated holiday traditions in Williamson County, drawing families from across the region for a truly magical experience. What began as a fundraiser has evolved into an annual event that not only spreads holiday cheer but also directly supports FrankTown Open Hearts’ mission of empowering under-resourced youth.
The 2024 FrankTown Festival of Lights, running from November 22nd through December 31st at the Williamson County Agricultural Center, promises to be the most spectacular yet. Open nightly from 5 to 9 pm, visitors can expect a breathtaking 1.5-mile route illuminated by over 200 holiday light displays, all synchronized to Christmas classics broadcast through car radios. The immersive experience brings joy to children and adults alike as they marvel at the creativity and beauty of the displays.
“Seeing all the families come through, making it an annual tradition, is my personal favorite part,” says Barnhill. “The kids’ eyes get big, and they can’t believe some of the gigantic light displays. It’s a fun time of year, and the fact that it benefits kids in our community is a special bonus.”
A popular feature of the FrankTown Festival of Lights is Walkin’ Wednesdays. On four select Wednesdays (November 27th, December 4th, 11th, and 18th), visitors are invited to take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated path from 5 to 6:30 pm, with leashed dogs welcome to join the fun. Guests can park their cars and walk the lighted route by purchasing a passenger vehicle ticket (good for up to 8 walkers), or a large passenger vehicle ticket (good for 8-15 walkers). After the walking portion, the route reopens to vehicles at 7 p.m.
Concessions, including s’mores kits, funnel cakes, caramel apples, hot dogs, nachos, hot chocolate, and more, will be available. Guests can also snap a photo with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree as a keepsake from their visit.
Building a Home for FrankTown: How the Festival of Lights Supports Youth Programs
The FrankTown Festival of Lights is not just about spreading holiday cheer; it plays a vital role in raising funds for an ambitious and much-needed goal—securing a permanent home for FrankTown Open Hearts. As Barnhill explains, “FrankTown has outgrown its array of leased spaces and borrowed buildings. Without a permanent home, there is no stability in programming and no ability to plan for the long term. FrankTown is turning kids away every day who desperately need its services.”
After years of prayer and planning, FrankTown has been presented with an incredible opportunity. Williamson County has offered 1.25 acres of land in the heart of inner-city Franklin, a location that Barnhill believes was “preserved for this project for such a time as this.”
“God has provided an amazing opportunity for FrankTown to build its own facility that will bring its programs and services under one roof — right within walking distance of the majority of the kids it serves and situated at the intersection of the downtown Franklin core and Franklin’s inner city,” Barnhill shares.
“100% of the funds raised from the Festival of Lights will go toward helping us secure a permanent home,” Barnhill emphasizes. The new facility will not only provide a stable space for FrankTown’s growing programs but will also offer a safe and supportive environment for the youth they serve. “FrankTown is changing lives! With land in an ideal location for serving Franklin’s at-risk youth, FrankTown has the opportunity to train, equip, and educate the community in a new way,” Barnhill adds.
If you’d like to be part of FrankTown Open Hearts’ journey to secure a permanent space and uplift local youth, you can donate here.
How You Can Support FrankTown Open Hearts: Donation and Volunteer Opportunities
The success of the Festival of Lights, and by extension FrankTown’s mission, relies heavily on the support of the local community. Partnerships with local businesses and organizations help ensure the event runs smoothly, but volunteers play a crucial role in bringing the festival to life.
“We would love volunteers!” Barnhill emphasizes. Those interested in supporting the 2024 Festival of Lights can sign up through the Volunteer Sign-Up link. Volunteers are needed each night and there are various roles available throughout the festival’s duration. Whether you’re coming as an individual or with a group, there’s an opportunity to get involved. Volunteers must be 18 or older, but youth ages 14-17 can participate if accompanied by an adult.
The Festival of Lights is more than just a celebration—it’s a vital fundraiser for FrankTown Open Hearts’ mission to empower at-risk youth in Franklin. As families enjoy the festive displays, they’re contributing to a brighter future for the next generation. FrankTown’s impact extends far beyond the holiday season, with ongoing opportunities for community members to volunteer year-round. Whether tutoring, mentoring, or helping with meals, volunteers make a lasting difference in the lives of local children.
To make a meaningful impact, consider volunteering or donating to FrankTown Open Hearts. Visit their website to learn more about how you can support their mission and help empower youth in Franklin.
FrankTown Festival of Lights: A Holiday Tradition That Changes Lives
Experience the magic of the FrankTown Festival of Lights this holiday season! Bring your family to the Williamson County Agricultural Center (4215 Long Ln, Franklin, TN 37064) from November 22nd to December 31st to enjoy stunning light displays and festive activities, all while supporting a cause that transforms the lives of local youth.
As the lights shine brighter each year, so does the future of Franklin’s children. Every ticket purchased, every donation made, and every volunteer hour given helps provide hope and opportunity for those who need it most. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the season and make a difference in your community. Purchase your tickets today, and if you’re looking to make a bigger impact, consider volunteering or donating to FrankTown Open Hearts.
Discover More Fall Family Fun in Franklin and Williamson County
For more fun activities in Franklin and Williamson County this fall, check out the guide to Fall Family Fun in Franklin and Williamson County. You’ll find plenty of ideas to make the most of this festive season with your loved ones!
