Come experience the pageantry of the almost world famous Historic Leiper’s Fork Village Christmas Parade & Celebration Saturday at 2 p.m.

The eclectic folks of Leiper’s Fork pull out all the stops during the holidays with their version of a Christmas Parade.  You’ll see everything from Viking ships to Santa.

New this year, Leiper's Fork is helping needy animals during the winter months.  The Williamson County Animal Shelter needs our help with their wish list.  We're setting up a drop-off area for donations under the arbor beside Puckett's Gro. & Restaurant.

If you would like to spread a little holiday cheer to The Williamson County Animal Shelter, you may bring one of the following items:  dog or cat food (canned or dry); dog or cat treats; cat litter; dog toys (no tennis balls please); cat toys; stainless steel food bowls; stainless steel water buckets;  small litter boxes; laundry detergent; small ceramic cat bowls; scented candles; towels or wash clothes.  For the pets looking for their forever homes please visit at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/TN75.html

Franklin— The City of Franklin is sponsoring its first 5k Cross Country Fun Run and K-9 Expo at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm at 239 Franklin Road across from the Factory, Saturday, November 12. The 5k includes a 5k run and dog dash, and a 3k walk and K-9 cruise.

Pre-registration will take place Friday, November 11th from 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Registration is $20.00 per person with or without dog; $15.00 for kids 12 and under; or $50.00 for family or organization groups (up to four). Walkers with or without their K-9 cruisers will pay a $10,00 registration fee. All dogs must be kept on leash. There will be a $5.00 fee if you register the day of the event. All proceeds will go to United Way. Registration forms and course maps are available at http://www.franklintn.gov/index.aspx?page=141

“The City of Franklin is an outstanding community partner,” said Ann Buchanan, United Way of Williamson County’s President. “Special events like the 5k Fun Run not only raise funds to support local programs but serve to inform local residents of United Way’s work in our community.”

If you are not a runner and simply want to participate in the K-9 Expo, there are plenty of activities planned including a costume contest, music, demonstrations, and local vendors with all things dog related. Admission is free. Costumed dogs will participate in the K-9 Pup Parade with prizes awarded to pups in the cutest costumes. Franklin’s K-9 Police Unit will also participate and put on a demonstration. The City is still accepting vendors for this event. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.

“This is a fun way to raise money for a good cause,” said Parks Director Lisa Clayton. “We are very excited to start the Cross Country Fun Run at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm. The course is perfect for this event and the runners and walkers will truly enjoy the beauty of this historic park.”

The legendary Franklin Theatre announced Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter Michael W. Smith is volunteering his talent for a Green Nights concert on August 6 to benefit the historic landmark.

Smith will play the 300-seat venue as part of the new Green Nights concert series that will help sustain the nonprofit Franklin Theatre for future generations. Tickets to “Green Nights Presents Michael W. Smith” start at $50 and are on sale July 6 at www.franklintheatre.com.

“Green Nights is a special way for world-class artists to join us in preserving the heart of downtown Franklin’s Main Street,” said Mary Pearce, executive director of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County, which restored the theater. “We are incredibly grateful to Michael W. Smith for his talent and his commitment to our community.”

With 44 GMA Dove Awards, three Grammys and more than 15 million in sales to his credit, Smith pioneered the Christian music genre and is one of the most respected ambassadors for faith-infused music worldwide. His latest album, “Wonder,” is a 12-song project that grapples with the disparities of life in the modern age.

In honor of Smith’s contribution to the Franklin Theatre, the Heritage Foundation will plant a legacy tree in a public space in Williamson County — a nod to the Green Nights philosophy of giving back to the community and the environment that we all care about. Previous Green Nights artists include Vince Gill and Amy Grant.

Built in 1937, the Franklin Theatre is re-opened to the public on June 3 following a multi-year, multi-million-dollar restoration. The Main Street landmark is owned and operated by the nonprofit Heritage Foundation.