Community was alive at the seventh annual Franklin Fair led by our YELLS Mentoring Program Bigs. Police, firefighters, partners, and neighbors enjoyed a day of fun celebrating their Franklin Gateway Community.
This event has been passed down through generations of Bigs each year since a group of Mentoring Program teens decided to lead a “Franklin Field Day” in 2012. While each group of Bigs adds their own touch, this tradition continues to challenge our Bigs to learn event planning as they recruit partners, write proposal letters for supply donations, and plan a day full of fun for their neighborhood.
This year, the ever-popular Watermelon Eating Contest showcased neighborhood kids racing each other and their local Councilman, Joseph Goldstein, to devour the fruit and claim victory.
And the Water Balloon Toss had even higher stakes, as returning officers and firefighters from last year’s event were intent on besting their partners. Kids and law enforcement and firefighters teamed up for the epic battle to see which pair would win.
Officers and firefighters enjoyed some pick-up soccer as well:
The kids won’t let the adults forget who won at Tug-of-War:
The competition was fierce, but the relationship-building was stronger. Officers and neighbors congratulated each other on a good match and an unforgettable day. Our Bigs on the Franklin Fair team were successful once again at uplifting community. #WeLoveFranklinGateway!!!
We’re so grateful for our many partners who said “yes” to our students’ request to support their Franklin Fair. Liberty Pointe Apartments once again allowed us to host this wonderful event, and partners including Amerigroup, Communities In Schools, the Marietta Police Department, the Marietta Fire Department, Marietta Parks and Recreation, Mercado de la Villa, and many others contributed to this special day.
