Though the chilly winter winds of early December may not seem like a pleasant thought in the late stretches of fall, the SCCA is working hard to usher in the winter season with its annual celebration: The Franklin Frolic
On Saturday, Dec. 4th from noon to 5:00 pm East Franklin Avenue in the Seward Neighborhood will transform into a corridor of celebration as many local businesses will unite to provide activities, treats and specials to the community. In addition to seeing how personal and welcoming these neighborhood businesses are, this event is also an opportunity to engage with Seward’s vibrant citizens.
From noon to 5:00 p.m. businesses up and down the Avenue will provide special holiday deals for residents and visitors alike. This event will be a great opportunity to nab that unique gift for the holidays or to get something beautiful for yourself, all while supporting local businesses in the Seward neighborhood.
Highlights include: the Himalayan restaurant (2401 E Franklin) providing two-for-one appetizers; Pizza Luce (2200 E Franklin) offering a pizza sampling, as well as kids activities and food and drink specials; Welna II Hardware (2201 E Franklin) giving away free starter bags of bird seed and East African treats for the family; and True Thai Restaurant offering a gift certificate to be raffled off later during the lighting ceremony in Triangle Park. These specials are just a taste of what’s in store for December.
Businesses will also be hosting neighborhood artists who will be showing and selling their work. Art, like a handmade winter hat, a soup bowl or a fine art photograph make great gifts for loved ones.
This year, some artist highlights include: the work of Mary Collins, famous for her jewelry made from recycled license plates, hosted at 2nd Moon Coffee Café (2225 E Franklin); Tim and Pam McConville’s stained and art glass works hosted at Seward Co-op (2823 E Franklin); and the hand-made scarves and hats of Christy Binoniemi at Welna II Hardware.
Those who wander the Avenue on the 4th may also notice a variety of lights and façade decorations on local businesses. These holiday trimmings are more than just a way to show enthusiasm for the coming celebrations though; the local business that has the most unique and impressive decorations will receive the Heart of Seward award as the winner of the Light up the Avenue contest.
At 5:30 p.m., shoppers, residents and business owners are encouraged to gather in Triangle Park (26th Ave & E Franklin Ave) for warm drinks and entertainment as we light up the park; this symbolic act is a way to promote our warm community spirit during the cold days of winter.
Before and after the ceremony, 2nd Moon Coffee Café will supply attendees with some warming drinks for chilly customers. Also, in addition to the lighting event, people in the neighborhood will have a chance to groove to the Women’s Drum Center’s rhythmic beats and witness the amazing displays from the People’s Fire Coalition.
An event brochure with the full listing of activities will be available at neighborhood businesses beginning in late November. The Franklin Frolic is sponsored in part by the Seward Co-op Grocery and Deli (2823 E Franklin) and Wells Fargo Bank (2600 E Franklin). Funding was also provided by the City of Minneapolis
If you’re interested in receiving more information about the Frolic, contact Dave Madsen at (612) 435-0277.
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