Good morning, Franklin.

The 21st Annual Williamson County Fair will open on Friday, August 1, at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo Park in Franklin and run for nine days with exhibits, competitions, live entertainment and rides (featuring themed nights such as Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day). Tickets must be purchased online by July 31 to secure discounted pricing.

On Tuesday, Franklin teacher Jennifer Henderson delivered 21 handmade stuffed animals—teddy bears and elephants—to the Franklin Police Department so officers can comfort children facing traumatic events.

The police expressed gratitude for her thoughtful contribution as they plan to keep the gifts in patrol vehicles for immediate distribution.

The Williamson County Fair will open at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug.

1 at the Ag Expo Center for nine days of rides, farm exhibits, and live shows—fireworks will light up the sky on Fridays and Saturdays. Special events like magic shows and traditional crafts such as broom making are set for Aug. 1 to Aug. 3.

On Monday evening, local residents at Grace Church at Franklin joined a design charette—led by Brian Wright of Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative—to share ideas about the roughly 75-acre site between Arno and Murfreesboro roads.

They gathered input—using red, green, and blue stickers on maps—to note concerns like traffic and school capacity and will use these ideas to shape a master plan previewed at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5.

At the seventh annual gala held on July 24 at The Factory at Franklin, about 200 guests enjoyed dinner and a live performance by local band Beck & Call while participating in live and silent auctions to raise funds for the animal shelter.

Proceeds supported Friends of the Williamson County Animal Center in providing pet food and medical care for rescue animals.

Whitney’s Cookies will open a 1,700-square-foot store in Spring Hill at 4825 Main Street—with an expanded kitchen to boost wholesale sales—at the end of September.

The cookie company also announced a new location at the Arcade in Nashville in May.

Today Duke Energy announced that it will sell its Piedmont Natural Gas Tennessee business for $2.48 billion in cash to Spire Inc—one of the largest natural gas companies serving about 205,000 customers over 3,800 miles of pipeline in the Nashville area.

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of next year and will help fund Duke Energy’s large capital plan while transitioning employees to Spire for a smooth change in service.

Williamson County District 8 Commissioners Drew Torres and Barb Sturgeon expressed alarm over a raw sewage leak from the Limestone Wastewater Treatment Plant in Grassland as it flows through Cartwright Creek and may affect the Harpeth River.

They urged state officials to provide a public update on repairs and pause new development — the leak was first observed on July 25 — to protect local health.

The Titans waived injured wide receiver Treylon Burks—after he suffered a shoulder injury during Saturday’s practice—and signed former University of Tennessee receiver Ramel Keyton.

Keyton, who was waived earlier by the Raiders, played 55 games with the Vols and recorded 86 receptions and 11 touchdowns.

Williamson County Fair

7 PM – 10 PM — Williamson County AG Expo Park — Entry fee applies — Experience thrilling rides, carnival games, and local community spirit at this cherished summer festival.

T. Graham Brown Live in Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Franklin Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of Grammy-nominated T. Graham Brown, a renowned figure in country music.

Live Like Jack 5K for Clubfoot

6:00 AM – 8:30 PM — The Park at Harlinsdale Farm — Registration costs vary — Join the inaugural 5K and 1-mile kids run followed by a dance party and arm wrestling competition.

Ellen Wildman Book Release

6-8 p.m. — Landmark Booksellers — Free entry — Celebrate the release of a new book with readings, Q&A, and light bites in a welcoming atmosphere.

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

7-9 p.m. — Landmark Booksellers — Free entry — Prepare for an engaging reading session with author Allen Levi in a beloved local bookstore.

Four Lads From Liverpool

7-11 p.m. — The Franklin Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a unique Beatles tribute with original songs capturing the essence of the Fab Four's journey.

Transformational Cutting Techniques for Women

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — SalonCentric — Registration required — Enhance your scissor cutting skills and client consultations for transforming hairstyles based on individual features.

Aaron Armstrong Book Signing

6-8 p.m. — Landmark Booksellers — Free entry — Engage with Aaron as he discusses his new book, Faith Simplified, and get your copy signed.

Deborah Allen Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Franklin Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the dynamic talent of Deborah Allen, a distinguished singer and songwriter from Memphis.

36th Annual Steak & Burger Dinner

5:30-8:00 p.m. — The Factory at Franklin — $100 per person — Enjoy an evening of great food, entertainment, and interactions with Boys & Girls Club youth.