The Village of Franklin's 81st Labor Day Round Up returns Monday, Sept. 7, when the Franklin Community Association (FCA) hosts the annual festival at FCA Park, 26495 Carol Ave.
The Round Up runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Paid activities and food use $2 tickets, available at on-site Ticket Tents. The event accepts cash, check, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Venmo. FCA members who pre-purchase tickets receive $10 off any purchase of 20 or more, plus a free tote bag.
A noon parade will march down Franklin Road from Evelyn Court to Carol Street. Franklin Road closes from 14 Mile to Carol between 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. for the procession.
Free entertainment includes an interactive circus, stilt walkers, a bowling ball juggler, a Robot Garage display in the gazebo, a classic car show, dog adoption and a magic show at 2 p.m. The Franklin Historical Society will also have an exhibit on site.
Paid attractions include midway games, pony and horse rides, a petting farm, face painting, inflatables and hair tinsel. Franklin Church will grill hot dogs and hamburgers. Other food includes roasted corn, kettle corn, bubble tea, Kona Ice and, new for 2026, chocolate-dipped fruit and cheesecake.
On the Village Green in front of Franklin Church, the 45th annual Art in the Village runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring more than 50 artists working in glass, pottery, jewelry, painting, photography, wood and sculpture, according to the FCA website. Live music plays throughout the day. That fair is also free.
The Round Up has faced financial headwinds. At a Village of Franklin special council meeting on Nov. 24, 2025, FCA representatives Tanya Hammond and Matt Howell told council members that declining dues, donations and event income had produced annual losses from the Roundup. They requested Village support through a Community Development Block Grant or a yearly donation to help preserve the tradition, according to council records. The Village's 2026 CDBG funds went to Franklin Community Preschool instead.
Side-street parking is free. Two baseball fields offer parking for $5, with entry off Wellington at Carol and at the church. Handicapped parking is available in the church lot.
Volunteers are still needed for setup on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and for cleanup on Labor Day from 3 to 5 p.m. Students and community groups can earn service credit hours, with double hours for cleanup. Questions can be sent to [email protected].
