Christian A. Ray, Intern - thefranklinpressnews@gmail.com
The 80’s Flashback Weekend is sure to have some tubular times for Franklin. The weekend will be full of teased hair, so Don’t Stop Believin’ and even if there is Purple Rain don’t Beat It, because Girls (and Boys) Just Want to Have Fun.
The fundraising event is all in support of Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville. Come out and enjoy the best of the decade with plenty of neon colors, power ballads, concerts, a beauty pageant, a themed 5K and the 80’s Flashback parade. The concerts and parade will be held in downtown Franklin in the area around the gazebo. Main, Phillips and Iotla Streets will be closed during the parade and the concerts on Friday and Saturday nights.
Dave Linn, the founder of the event said they started the 80’s Flashback Weekend 11 years ago to help support the hospital as they helped him in his journey with Cerebral Palsy. “Because of the hospital, I was able to do so many different activities in my life, and I wanted to give back to the hospital to help other kids become handicapable,” Linn said.
Linn said the event has grown from 53 people to more than 3,500 people from the community, and from around the country, attending.
Linn said they will have more food trucks this year and there will be a larger stage. Silent auctions and raffles will be held and Franklin’s Social District will be in operation during the Friday and Saturday evening events.
“Last year was the 10th anniversary of the 80’s Flashback Weekend and it was also the first year we got to do it in downtown Franklin by the gazebo,” Linn said. The event raised $34,000 for the Shriners Children’s Hospital.
“We received a lot of support from vendors, but also a lot of support from the Town of Franklin by allowing us to host the event in the social district,” said Linn.
Information: Dave Linn, 828-421-7637 or 80sflashbacknc@gmail.com.
80s Flashback Weekend
Friday, Aug. 1
An Evening with Bon Jovi
6 p.m. Opening band, Carbon Harry
7:30-9:30 p.m. “Bad Medicine” Bon Jovi Tribute Band
Saturday, Aug. 2
80’s Flashback 5K, 9 a.m. Tassee Park (877 Ulco Dr.)
Online registration: RunSignUp.com
Race day registration: 8 a.m.
80’s Flashback Parade: 5:30 p.m., Main Street
Dance Party
6:30 p.m. Corey Stuart New Wave & pop hits of the 80s
8-11 p.m. The Totally Awesome 80z Party featuring 80z Nation