One weekend a year thousands of people flock to Franklin, TN to attend the Franklin Festival. A few friends and I braved the crowds and the 80 degree heat last weekend.

The festival started at 10 AM and I made sure I got there early, in just enough time to park in the free lot.  Others were not so lucky having to shell out $5 or $10 to park.  As vendors were setting up, I darted over to the Franklin Mercantile Deli for a delicious cup of to go coffee.  I found a bench and relaxed before the crowd settled in.

This event was huge. Vendors stretched down Main Street through the square and beyond the Franklin Theater. Side streets were also occupied with stages, kiddie rides, food vendors and a beer garden.  As we strolled through the streets we saw plenty of art work, pottery, clothes, wind chimes, jewelery, and dogs. Dogs were everywhere – small and large alike.  The only thing I bought was a $3 ear of roasted corn. Super good but not the best choice for a really hot day.

Tips for next year: be sure to bring cash, wear good walking shoes (something sturdier than a flip flop if you have to park a mile away) and go later in the day (it runs until 7pm Sat. and 6pm Sun.)

Rasmus drives in game winning run.

After fighting their way to an 8-7, 10 inning win on Mother’s Day, the Cardinals will head into a  much needed day of rest with confidence. The Redbirds have been at the ballpark twenty days in a row heading into Monday and played 19 games during the April 21st through May 10th stretch (omit the Washington rainout.) During that time, they are 12-7 and have lost 5 out of their last 8 ballgames. During those 5 losses the opposing team has scored 36 runs to the Cards’  16, a ratio they hope to turn around starting Tuesday with Todd Wellemeyer taking on the Pirate’s Zach Duke in Pittsburgh.

Even though the Cards’ have had a rough week, they are 8 games over .500 at 20-12 and lead the N.L. Central by 2 games over the Brewers who are 18-4.