July 1, 2026
Press file photo - All are welcome to join in the July 4 parade. Put on your most patriotic outfit and meet at Town Hall at 10:30 a.m. The parade begins at 11 a.m. followed by the Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker contest and the patriotic pet contest.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Macon County and the Town of Franklin will join the America 250 Celebration with two days of festivities, July 3 and 4. Friday, July 3, 2026Parker Meadows Athletic Events10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Cory Spychalski of The Grove Hostel writes out a draft visioning statement for Franklin identifying its recreation, arts and culture as a draw for the town.
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Press photo/Shelby Powell - The Argent Accounting building on Palmer Street.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Mark Masters of Masters Architecture proposed four options to build a new Highlands soccer field, ranging in cost from $1 million to $3.4 million to build an Astroturf soccer field on site at Highlands School or at Zachary Park.
Highlander photo/Mitch Stone - FRL Board Chair Bill McGaha and Cynthia Womble discuss whether Swain County should receive a higher percentage of net surplus funds due to the free rent it has provided for FRL headquarters.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Teams participating in the Smoky Mountain Relay stopped for a free breakfast hosted by Cowee School volunteers. Each member of this team was from the Southeast, with members from Bryson City, Chattanooga, Nashville, Sylva and Asheville.
Overall female winner Chelsea Ellwood of Cullowhee nears the finish line in the Braveheart 5K. (Photo/Bob Scott)
Boys aged 9-10 compete in the 50-yard backstroke for the Franklin Amateur Swim Team June 25. Pictured from foreground are Grayson Jessup, Samuel Hurst and Xzavier Rios. (Press photo/Will Woolever)
Junior Cailen Chavis drives into the lane versus Highlands. (Press photo/Will Woolever)
