FRANKLIN — If you are looking to shop small this upcoming holiday season, you can get a jump start on your Christmas list in one local community.
More than 35 locally-owned businesses in downtown Franklin are teaming up to host their 10th annual Downtown Franklin Holiday Open House this weekend. The event is bigger than ever before and includes local antique stores, a toy store, candy shop, bars, restaurants and more.
Shoppers can come to the walkable downtown area and grab a passport punch card on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Hours vary by business.
No purchase is necessary and shoppers take their passports to get punched at each stop on their way. Once you get 10 punches, you can turn in your passport at any participating store.
After the event concludes, the shop owners will draw from the passports turned in and give away more than $2,000 worth of prizes to lucky winners.
Debi Pierson is the owner and Chief Toy Expert for Toodleydoo Toys in Franklin on Jefferson Street.
She says the holiday open house started out small 10 years ago but has grown ever since then, and really showcases how Franklin has grown as a business community.
"We point at each other," said Pierson. "We hand out maps. It just shows that we have a strong community."
You can learn more about what makes Toodleydoo Toys special in the video above, and learn more about other family-friendly events in downtown Franklin by visiting Discover Downtown Franklin's websiteand social media pages.
-
Indiana advocates and governor highlight National Child Abuse Prevention Month
The event will bring together Governor Mike Braun, Indiana legislators, child welfare advocates and community members in a collective effort to protect children and prevent abuse.
$600 million redevelopment kicks off at Circle Centre Mall
The $600 million redevelopment of Circle Centre Mall has officially started, with plans to transform it into a vibrant open-air destination. Completion is expected in 2030.
1 dead following double shooting on near northeast side
One person is dead following a double shooting on the near northeast side of Indianapolis on Tuesday.
Orlando Mitchell sentenced to 66 years for murder of Krystal Walton
Orlando Mitchell has been sentenced to 66 years in the Indiana Department of Correction for the murder of Krystal Walton, the mother of his son, outside an Indianapolis daycare in 2022.
