On April 16, 2016 after planning for months, YELLS youth leaders hosted the Franklin Fair in the Liberty Pointe residential community. Support from numerous partnerships developed by YELLS Bigs helped make the event a success.

“We’re so proud of our YELLS high school Bigs for their hard work and perseverance in leading this incredible community-building event. The Franklin Fair has become an annual tradition started by our Bigs in 2012, and it just gets better and better each year!  So many partners came together to support our community, and all were recruited by our Bigs, who spent hours sending proposal letters, making phone calls, and coordinating their event.” –Executive Director Laura Keefe

Bigs and their Littles led games, a dance competition, a giant adult versus youth tug-o-war, pie and watermelon eating competitions, and many other activities. Congrats to City of Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin who won the watermelon competition and our DJ, Arthur Vaughn, for winning the pie eating competition.

Hundreds of community members joined the festivities throughout the day, enjoying food and music, as well as learning about job opportunities and the YELLS Community Garden. The Marietta Police Department and Fire Department greeted youth and community members and showed off their new fire truck.

Kendolyn Harris, the Mentoring Program Coordinator says, “The students work extremely hard all year, and I’m so proud to see their efforts paying off for the community.”

Thanks to all attendees, partners, and community members who contributed time and resources for the Franklin Fair. We’ll see you next year!!!

For more information about YELLS Events, email us at Community@yellsinc.org.