Five Events that will Help You Spring into Spring

1. Painted Pony Championship Rodeo

Come on out to the Franklin-Southampton County Fair Grounds for the Painted Pony Championship Rodeo on March 28th. The show starts at 7:00pm and will end at 9:00pm (for those who want to get great seats gates open at 5:00pm). Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the event. Tickets cost $15 and children 6 years and under are free. You can order your rodeo tickets here. For more information call 757-562-3765. We hope to see you there!

2. Clean Rivers Day

The Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper, Jeff Turner, invites you to participate in Clean Rivers Day on March 28th. This community effort is focused on cleaning areas of the Blackwater and Nottoway Rivers to help aid beautification and environmental efforts. If you are interested in participating in Clean Rivers Day email blknotkpr@earthlink.net or call 757-562-5173. The Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper Program is a great opportunity for families, students and organizations to give back to both the City of Franklin and Southampton County. We hope you will join us in our efforts!

3. National Mom & Pop Business Owner Day

Tourists and locals alike are invited to help make National Mom & Pop Business Owner Day a huge success in 2015! On Sunday, March 29th shop small and support the small Mom & Pop shops in Franklin and Southampton. This is a great opportunity to get your spring flowers, new spring outfits, Easter goodies, and much more. Help spread the local love and shop small on National Mom & Pop Business Owner Day!

4. Boykins Spring Carnival

The Boykins Spring Carnival is set for April 10th and 11th. This fun family event will have LIVE entertainment from "America's Got Talent" Season 7 Semi-Finalist and Top Ten Finalist on "The Voice", Bria Kelly and The Bria Kelly Band on Friday night. The Moonshine Band will be playing Modern and Classic Country and of course some Rock 'n' Roll) on Saturday night from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Don't miss out on the carnival rides, games, food, music and vendors! Tickets can be purchased at the following locations: the Hungry Rooster, Boykins Beans and Ice Cream and the Boykins Pharmacy. We hope to see y'all in April at the 2015 Boykins Spring Carnival!

5.Down Home Day

Come spend the afternoon at the Southampton Heritage Village/Ag & Forestry Museum on April 18th from 12:00pm-5:00pm. This is a great for adults and kids alike, you will see a sawmill and grist mill, with freshly ground cornmeal available for a donation. There will also be a train ride and a petting zoo of gentle farm animals for children of all ages to enjoy. Blair Bunn with Turtle Creek Farms will perform with his mules and Glenn Updike will demonstrate the dying art of sheep shearing. Bluegrass music will be provided by Jimmie Ricks, and his group, Shiloh Grass. Step back in time and come enjoy the history at the 2015 Down Home Day! For more information visit their webpage here or call 757-653-9554.

As always, we welcome you to Escape to Tradition in the City of Franklin and Southampton County.