Heather Alexander, president of Frankton Heritage Days board and a longtime volunteer, poses with a sign as she helps set up for the 49th annual Frankton Heritage Days. FRANKTON — Budget cuts and a worldwide pandemic haven't stopped Frankton Heritage Days from happening for 49 consecutive years. To keep that impressive streak alive, organizers said they've learned to adapt.
Rising prices have affected the annual festival, including its signature fireworks show, which has been postponed until next year, when Heritage Days will celebrate its golden anniversary. A movie will replace the fireworks on Saturday evening. Natasha Pulley, a member of the Heritage Days board, said Friday before the festival began that organizers hadn't decided on the film.
She said they were torn between "Hocus Pocus," and "The Goonies." Friday's opening included some traditional events, including food vendors and carnival rides. The festival's annual parade was set for Saturday morning.
Christian Brown, 9, whose mother manages the carnival offerings at Frankton Heritage Days, watches a dog named Bailey, who hid from onlookers. Adapting to challenges has been a feature of the festival since its inception, according to Michele Alexander, a longtime volunteer who recently became the president of the board. Alexander has been involved for decades since marrying her husband, Levi, whose grandfather co-founded the festival in 1975.
She said she's seen her shares of challenges since then. "It's something t.