Festival Country Awards Grants to Add to Holiday Lighting Wow Factor, Bring Concerts to Area
Festival Country Indiana in November awarded more than $40,000 in grant funding and sponsorships to dramatically improve the holiday lighting at the courthouse, fund concert series in Franklin and Bargersville, and support the First Fridays initiative in downtown Franklin.
Festival Country’s Board of Directors approved the grants and sponsorships at their Nov. 12 meeting.
Discover Downtown Franklin received a one-time grant of $9,885 to replace several strands of damaged holiday lights atop the courthouse and to increase the total number of strands from eight to 20. This change is designed to increase the wow factor during the Holiday Lighting event on Dec. 6 and when the lights remain illuminated during the entire Christmas season.
Danny Causey, executive director of Discover Downtown Franklin, said the funding will help bring the courthouse lighting to the impressive level it reached many years ago.
“The Holiday Lighting is a tradition that is enjoyed by residents and visitors, and it is vital that we provide a memorable experience that will encourage them to return year after year,” said Kenneth Kosky, executive director of Festival Country.
Additionally, the board renewed funding totaling $33,500 for several existing sponsorships, including First Fridays in downtown Franklin and summer concerts in Franklin and Bargersville.
Grant funds are still available this year. Grant applicants are required to be a nonprofit or a government entity, and the proposed projects must support new tourism by bringing new festivals, events, projects and attractions to the county or by significantly improving existing ones. Additionally, applicants are highly encouraged to present their proposals before the board. Festival Country will offer a new grant category in 2026 to organizations planning events aligned with America’s 250th anniversary celebration. Visit festivalcountryindiana.com/grants for details and requirements. Festival Country Indiana is the official destination organization for the communities of Johnson County.