Franklin Pride Finally Gets Its Time to Shine

After a year on hold, Williamson County’s celebration goes on

By Connect Staff • Photos Courtesy Franklin Pride/Franklin PFLAG

The long-awaited inaugural Franklin Pride is taking place July 31 at Harlinsdale Farm from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. First announced in January 2020 and then postponed to 2021, there’s been a lot of buzz and excitement around the event. In that year’s time, enough interest formed that the original location, Franklin Theatre, wasn’t going to be large enough.

There will be a craft fair, youth activity tent, food trucks, nonprofit organizations, vendors and activity on the stage all afternoon. 

The entertainment lineup includes Dianne Davidson, Sisters Mann, Vidalia Anne Gentry, The Miss Fits, Mr. & Mrs. Nashville Pride, and Major Minors. Food vendors consist of 2 Girls & a Hot Dog, Bradley’s Creamery — Homemade Ice Cream, Buffalo’s Texas Sausage on a Stick, Mafiozias Beer Tent, Ace’s Kettle Corn, Franklin’s Fruit Tea, Cousins Maine Lobster, and Steaming Goat.

Kicking off the event is the emcee, Vidalia Anne Gentry, with a welcome message. From there you can show off your best moves at the family-friendly dance party or take in a drag show. Then enjoy an awards ceremony honoring Sharon Collins and Charlie Grimes who established PFLAG Franklin in 2001, for their support of LGBTQ+ people and their families. 

The second half of the event will have the stage filled with singer-songwriters including the Sisters Mann, Dianne Davidson, and a performance by Nashville in Harmony’s Major Minors  — the first youth LGBTQ+ chorus in Nashville. 

When it was originally announced, PFLAG-Franklin, in partnership with the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP), explained they were putting on the event because they firmly believe that when everyone is accepted the entire community benefits, whether or not one identifies as LGBTQ+. PFLAG-Franklin is putting in the work needed to provide a safe place for people who want to learn more, for people who are seeking acceptance, and to hold what can be an uncomfortable dialogue.  The organization states, “We are confident that this event will give people who want to know more about the LGBTQ+ community a place to start.”

The event is free. Donations are accepted and appreciated. For complete details visit https://franklinpridetn.com/.