Dickens of a Christmas festival in Franklin, TN.

Photos and text by Harrison McClary

Step back to the era of Charles Dickens and his many colorful characters in the 24th annual Dickens of a Christmas festival in Franklin, TN.

As you stroll along Main Street you will pass many of the characters of Dicken’s stories. Jacob Marley is there wrapped in his chains warning Scrooge to repent. David Carter, the man who portrays Marley, has been doing street characters in Franklin for over 20 years, and the Dickens festival for at least 16 years. He says “I do it because its a lot of fun and I love entertaining.”

Of course Scrooge is present greeting all with a BAAA HUMBUG. Mr Scrooge strolls along the streets allowing his photo to be made, but no touching! You may be a pick pocket, or worse.

Further along the road a pair of English Bobbies are walking patrol. These fellows are more than acting the part of police officers, they are members of Franklin’s police department. The department has the consumes made so that the officers can fit in at the festival and enjoy the day while they are working.

Other characters are dressed in period costumes, ladies in hoop dresses, men in top hats and long coats. The ghost of Christmas Future is also seen wandering the streets.

Several street performers line the street. One such performer is thirteen year old Kayla Balda playing clarinet. Balda says she plays to make a little extra money to buy gifts for her family. “Its fun spreading a little cheer” she says of playing at the festival.

Another performer is folk harpist Abigail Bobo. She has played in the festival for four years. “Its a great deal of family fun and it helps to bring music to the little ones” she said. She began performing in the Dickens event because she had enjoyed the festival and wanted to be a part of it.

Perhaps the most unusual musical talent at the festival is Donal Hinely who serenades his audiences with glasses filled with water. He plays Christmas classics by rubbing his fingers over the tops of glasses partly filled with water. His songs are filled with wonderful tones and the music is a resounding success with his listeners. In between performances he pours warm water into a glass, he says it is hard to keep his wet fingers warm in the cold weather.

The streets also have numerous vendors selling arts and crafts and food. The festival is a great place to shop for special gifts, and to try different foods from many of Franklin’s restaurants. There is a kids area with a small petting zoo. There are performances at different locations along main Street through out the days. Carriage rides are also offered around the square.