During its February meeting, the Franklin Tourism Development Authority approved $5,200 in funding to support activities during the upcoming Appalachian Trail hiking season and for advertising for the unveiling of the Women’s History Trial sculpture.
Macon County Transit requested $6,000 for its Appalachian Trail Shuttle Service, which runs from March 4 through May 27. The shuttle served 1,079 hikers in 2023, according to transit director Darlene Asher when making her request at the Jan. 8 TDA meeting. The shuttle provides transportation for hikers from Rock Gap and Winding Stair to Franklin; it runs three times a day, Monday-Friday. Asher said hikers also use other Macon County Transit routes.
In her funding request Asher said the shuttle service fits within the TDA mission as it supports and promotes events and activities that enhance travel and tourism in the area. She said in addition to their initial stay, some hikers return to the area to visit.
“Success of this project is measured by ridership. We have been providing this service for six years. We gave seen a 75% increase in ridership of the shuttle as well as an increase in our fixed route service during the peak season hikers are in the Franklin area,” stated the request application.
The TDA funding is used to help offset the cost of the shuttle service including the salary for a season driver and fuel costs. The TDA approved funding $2,000 for the route, which is the same amount allocated last year.
AT Celebration
Natasha Sebring from the Franklin Appalachian Trail Community Council requested $1,700 for the annual Franklin AT Celebration, a series of events running from the first day of spring until Earth Day in April. The board unanimously approved the request. Sebring said the events are an opportunity to share “a little bit of trail magic.” Last year the FATCC requested and received $2,420 from the TDA.
This year’s schedule includes 10 events in addition to the daily hiker breakfast served at First Baptist Church and four programs at the Macon County Public Library. Business partners for the AT Celebration include Outdoor 76, Three Eagles Outfitters, Currahee Brewing Co., Lazy Hiker Brewing Company, The Rathskeller, Gracious Plates on Main, Motor Company Grill and A Sapphire Inn.
“The FATCC continues to improve how Franklin and Macon County are highlighted on the AT as a trail town and regionally as an outdoor mecca,” Sebring stated in her funding request.
Sowing the Seeds of the Future
The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County requested $1,500 to assist with the advertising for the unveiling of the Sowing the Seeds of the Future sculpture on March 23. The sculpture, featuring the representations of three Macon County women, will be installed in the new Women’s History Park between the two bridges spanning the Little Tennessee River in East Franklin.
In December, the TDA awarded the Folk Heritage Association $5,000 to assist with the landscaping and installation of the sculpture, which will serve as the trailhead for the Women’s History Trail, which was established in 2018 and has grown from nine sites to 20.
Members of the Women’s History Trail, which is part of the Folk Heritage Association, attended the January TDA meeting to request the additional funds for advertising and marketing.
“This sculpture grouping is going to be another thing people come here to see,” said Claire Suminski. Suminski and Mary Polanski also updated the group on some of the events planned around the unveiling and how the group is working with other businesses in town.
At the February meeting, the TDA board approved the funding request 7-1 with Josh Drake opposed.
Financial report
Halfway through the 2023-24 fiscal year, the Town of Franklin has collected $97,783.99 in lodging taxes, compared to $108,546.38 for the same period last year.
The TDA board heard budget proposals from Carly Moser from Drake Enterprises Marketing for the 2024-25 fiscal year but took no action. Moser also updated the group on their current marketing efforts.
The next Tourism Development Authority meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 11 in the board room on the lower level of Town Hall.