FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — Saturday is Light Up Night in Franklin as the holiday season kicks off in grand style.

Event organizer Ronnie Beith said Light Up Night has really grown since it began 38 years on the steps of Venango County Courthouse.

“Back then, local builders made a big switch that the mayor would throw to light the Christmas tree. Everyone made cookies and there was cocoa served,” Beith said.

Now, Light Up Night is an all-day event that begins in the morning as Liberty Street shops are open with several unique ideas for Christmas shoppers.

Beith also said the event has worked better since moving from Thanksgiving weekend.

“A lot of people come home for Light Up Night and stay for the week of Thanksgiving, so it works well,” Beith said.

Beith also said there will be new lights on Liberty Street and she expects the parade and fireworks to be really enjoyable for everyone.

Franklin Light Up Schedule of Events:

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – DOWNTOWN STORES CHRISTMAS KICK-OFF • Unique & Different Ideas for Christmas!

11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — $5.00 TOURS • DeBence Antique Music World Street

Noon to 5:00 p.m. – CHRISTMAS COOKIE WALK • Franklin Public Library, 421 Twelfth Street

1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. — Grand Opening CHRISTMAS TREE EXTRAVAGANZA • Barrow-Civic Theatre

3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Enjoy eggnog and holiday treats, listen to carolers • Public Restrooms • Barrow-Civic Theatre

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. — Free Cookies • Cocoa • Cupcake Decorating • The Franklin, 1340 Liberty Street

4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – SANTA CLAUS • Barrow Little Theatre

4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Living Nativity/Refreshments/Restrooms • 1st Presbyterian Church, Corner Elk & West Park

4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — “Deanna Wolfgong” • Porch Music Store, 409 Thirteenth Street

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. — “Tyler Carson & Friends” • Bossa Nova Café

4:15 p.m. — Jones Party Magic Train Ride (weather permitting)

5:00 p.m. — Grab the Trails Business Winners Announced • Liberty Street

6:00 p.m. — ELECTRIC LIGHTS PARADE • Liberty Street

Following Parade:

Franklin High School Madrigal Singers • Lighting of Community Tree

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA by Pyrotechnico • Fountain Park

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. — “Dave + 1” • Red Bandana Winery, 309 13th Street

7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – GALLERY GLOW: Pizza Party • Porter/Huber

Jazz • Victorian City Art & Frame, 1273 Liberty Street

Note: All events on 1200 Block of Liberty Street unless otherwise noted.