As August approaches, it’s that time for the 1980s to make its annual return to Franklin.
This weekend, the most immersive fundraiser in the mountains lays claim to downtown with concerts, fundraising, food trucks, a parade and more.
This year’s 12th annual 80’s Flashback Weekend promises to be one of the best. (And we ALL expect the weather to pass early enough to let the show go on unhampered. So, don’t have a cow, man, and come out.)
With music by local high school phenoms Low Tide and a Huey Lewis & the News tribute band kicking off Friday, followed by the annual parade and energetic 80z Nation on Saturday, a good time for a great cause will be had by all.
“This multi-day retro celebration transforms downtown Franklin into a totally tubular time warp—all in support of the Shriners Children’s Hospital Greenville,” says the Experience Franklin NC tourism website.
Couldn’t have said it better!
What makes the 80’s so special and fun as a theme?
It honors the latchkey generation, “where’s the beef?”, the rise of ripped jeans and entirely too neon clothing.
It’s when New Wave and Hair Bands launched. It’s MTV (when it played music videos), early hip hop and the zenith of punk rock.
It’s the big screen full of rebellious kids fighting school administrators, Wolverines fighting foreign invaders, and Tom Cruise in a fighter jet for the first time. It’s Heathers and the launch of The Simpsons.
No matter what you call it – the Neon Decade, the Me Decade, or the Reagan Era – the 1980’s was a great decade for movies, music, TV, fun and fashion. And, it all will be fully represented here in our mountains.
Did I mention that food trucks, the Social District, silent auctions, a kid’s area, Main St. merchants and more will be rocking both nights for visitors and locals to enjoy?
Like, totally.
If you’re looking for something slightly healthier or another way to contribute, Saturday morning’s 5k will feed that need. The fun run starts at 9 a.m. at 877 Ulco Dr. along the Greenway. Sign up here. Get there early. Take good pictures. I’m sleeping in.
This weekend, plan to experience the best of the decade that brought us krimped hair, power ballads, and the hacky sack. And, do it for the kids.
Dave Linn, Tracy Griffith are just part of the whole team of unpaid volunteers who work very hard, all year long, to bring Franklin and WNC something no one can match – all for kids in need. Board members include Lora Barham, Lyndsey Henderson, Lena Mathis, Maria Moran, John Witherspoon, and George Young.
Many kudos to them.
Come out Friday and Saturday. Eat, drink, donate, buy stuff at the silent auction and support an incredible cause.
Here’s the weekend’s full schedule:
