Courthouse Squares are interesting places. Some we’ve seen have no to very little green space while others have welcoming lawns with benches, trees and shrubs. Franklin KY has one of the better courthouse squares with lush green grass, benches, sidewalks and bandstand. It was the perfect setting for the Festival on the Square and the 55th Annual Franklin Car Show.The 1882 Courthouse is the star of the Franklin KY downtown courthouse square. Around the square are welcoming storefronts offering art galleries, eateries, boutique shops and more. Maybe we should say, normally the courthouse is the star. The weekend we visited the star was the 55th Annual Franklin Car Show. The show was part of the larger celebration, Festival on the Square. We are not sure how many cars were on display, but they lined the square on both sides of the streets. There were many categories of cars from antique to modern. One unique auto on display was a 1963 Ford Galaxie used on the Andy Griffith Show.
As we strolled along blocks of interesting old cars, we came upon a vendor selling Jambalaya Mix. Really, Jambalaya Mix in KY. Turns out the young lady was from LA but now lives with her husband in KY. We had an interesting discussion and she gave us a sample of her product she had cooked — really good. No matter where we go, you never know.
While Laurie indulged John’s interest in the various cars, that was not her passion. Friday night of the festival there was live music on the square grounds. Even better there are two permanent dance areas on the grounds. Not sure if it was meant to be this way but one was for adults and one for children. Coming from south Louisiana where children are encouraged to dance, we were happy to see the same attitude in another part of the country. Playing mostly 50s and 60s was Teacher’s Pet and yes there was a teacher or two in the band.
An interesting part of the dancing, was a woman hula hooping from the beginning of the music until the end. She was doing great until the band took a break and someone passed too close and hit her hula hoop. We enjoyed watching her and her moves with the hula hoop.
The cars were interesting, the music was great and the dancing was better. A fun filled weekend was had in Franklin KY.
