Thousands of Franklin residents packed The Park at Harlinsdale Farm on Saturday, Nov. 7, for the city's annual Family Day celebration.

Janey Mason, recreation supervisor for the Franklin Parks Department, said between 6,000 and 7,000 people were expected to attend, as first reported by the Williamson Herald. Mason said watching the event become a community staple over the past two decades has been rewarding.

The Parks Department hosted the free festival with help from the nonprofit Friends of Franklin Parks. Children and adults enjoyed pony and train rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, a pumpkin patch and horseback riding demonstrations.

Williamson County high school students performed during the afternoon. Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, who have played at previous Family Days, did not appear this year because Sinise is on a nationwide tour promoting his book, "Graceful Warrior."

Professional hunter-jumper riders and members of Vanderbilt University's equestrian program gave demonstrations at the Tractor Supply Co. Arena. Planned barrel races were canceled.

The Franklin Water Management Department and the Department of Curious Things' mobile creative studio provided arts and crafts. Kids also enjoyed a Touch-a-Truck gathering with vehicles from the Franklin Police and Streets departments, among others. The Parks Department handed out pink horse pens and miniature horse toys, a nod to Harlinsdale Farm's equestrian roots.

Marissa Tikes brought her 18-month-old daughter, Eleanor, and helped her pick through the pumpkin patch. "I think she's curious," Tikes said.

Two fundraising campaigns take center stage

Friends of Franklin Parks used the event to spread the word about two capital campaigns.

Torrey Barnhill, executive director of Friends of Franklin Parks, said the nonprofit is working to raise $150,000 for a fountain planned for the pocket park behind the new City Hall. The fundraising deadline is fall 2027, when the building is scheduled to open. The fountain campaign launched during FFP's annual Raise the Roofs fundraiser on Aug. 22, with silent auction proceeds going toward the effort.

Clay Harlin, whose family owned Harlinsdale Farm before selling it to the city, said FFP hopes to raise $500,000 as its "year-end ask" for Ellie G's Dream World. The inclusive playground is scheduled to open inside the Pearlene M. Bransford Complex in 2028.

The playground is named in memory of Elliot Grace Castro, known as Ellie G, the granddaughter of Franklin Alderman Brandy Blanton. Elliot was born with a very rare terminal form of dwarfism called Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata (RCDP). She died at age 4 in September 2019, according to FFP.

Features will include a Tree of Life play structure, a game area and a safari vehicle. "Nobody else has one like it," Harlin said.

Residents can find upcoming Franklin parks events and ways to support both campaigns at friendsoffranklinparks.org.