Try something new in Franklin County
EDITORIAL -- FEATURE SPOT, Editorials, Opinion, Z - TOP HOME
 By  Staff Reports Published 
10:34 am Monday, January 29, 2024

Try something new in Franklin County

With the onset of a new year often comes the commitment to new things. For many folks, these come in the form of “New Year’s Resolutions.” Even for people who eschew the concept of resolutions – for whatever reason – the start of a new year still presents itself as an auspicious time to make plans, set goals and find ways to add a little extra spice to life.

Maybe you’re trying a new workout routine. Maybe you’ve opened a new savings account or set a new career goal.

Whether or not you’re making these kinds of changes in your life, we want you to make this the year you try something new right here in our county.

Franklin County has so much to offer, and none of us can say we’ve embraced every bit of it. There’s always something new to try.

There are new restaurants to dine at, new programs to sign up for, new shops to patronize, new people to meet. Additionally, what about those places or opportunities that aren’t new in the county but are nevertheless new to you?

Have you ever hiked through Dismals Canyon? Gone to a Rockin’ at the Roxy show? Cheered on a high school volleyball team? Played pickle ball at the Red Bay Rec Center?

Maybe you’ve never seen a production by the Bay Tree Council or by the RHS Fine Arts students. Maybe you’ve never watched a Marching Hundred halftime show. Maybe, even though you’ve lived here your whole life, you’ve never competed in a contest at the Franklin County Watermelon Festival.

When you live and work in a smaller, mostly rural county like ours, it’s easy to sometimes feel like you’ve done and seen it all – but we’d challenge you to set that notion aside and seek out those new opportunities you’ve never pursued before.

Visit the Red Bay Farmers Market or the Northwest-Shoals Library. Watch the fireworks at Sloss Lake or in Vina this July. Dance in the street at Spruce Pine Day. Schedule a hunting weekend at a local lodge.

Sign your children up for Russellville Public Library’s summer reading program. Develop your own fried pie recipe to enter at the Red Bay Founders Day contest.

Join your volunteer fire department. Become a foster parent. Help with animal rescue. Become a familiar face at your city council or school board meetings.

If you need some more ideas, hit us up for suggestions. We’re all about promoting all the great things about Franklin County, and there is always something new to enjoy.

Also on Franklin County Times
Watermelon Winners 2026
B: WATERMELON FESTIVAL, Franklin County
Griffin Traylor 
August 20, 2026
MOST UNUSUAL   First place: Lorena Bonilla (Russellville)     BEST DRESSED   First place: Aymar Bonilla (Russellville)   Second place: Candy Owens (La...
Byrd’s final song a fitting tribute
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
By Brady Petree 
August 19, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — When organizers landed country music star Tracy Byrd as the headline performer for the 45th annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival,...
Russellville graduate deported
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
August 19, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – A 19-year-old Russellville High School graduate was deported from the United States on Aug. 9, according to the Department of Homeland ...
Locomotive gets new paint at Railroad Park
Main, News, Red Bay, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
August 19, 2026
RED BAY — The 1923 steam locomotive at the Railroad Park is getting a new paint job as work on a concrete pad, lighting and other features continues. ...
RMS kicks off character program
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
August 19, 2026
RUSSSELLVILLE – Liberty Learning Foundation programs at Russellville Middle School now extend through all three grade levels with sixth graders studyi...
Obituaries
Obituaries
August 19, 2026
  John Wayne Terry Aug. 12, 2026   John Wayne Terry, 68, of Russellville, passed away Aug. 12. Visitation took place at Spry Memorial Chapel Aug. 18 f...
Railroad consolidation: Proof, not promises, needed
Columnists, Opinion
August 19, 2026
Few things are more important to Alabama’s economy than a reliable freight rail system. Our manufacturers depend on it. Our farmers depend on it. Our ...
First Baptist Church celebrates 159 years
Columnists, News, Opinion, ...
HERE AND NOW
August 19, 2026
Russellville First Baptist Church earlier this month celebrated 159 years of existence. At the annual homecoming celebration, we welcomed many new and...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *