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The Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce an exciting new addition to the Applefest® lineup for 2009.

One lucky couple will win a once in a lifetime opportunity to kick off their “Appley Ever After” with an all-expense-paid wedding ceremony to take place Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, on Liberty Street in the heart of downtown Franklin.

Everything from the invitations to the bride’s dress will be provided free of charge by Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce members.

Modeled after the Today Show weddings on NBC, couples must submit essays detailing why they should be chosen for the wedding. The essays must also include any connection the couple has to Venango County. Once a couple is chosen, they will have to surrender some of the decision-making about their big day to the Appley Ever After committee.

The idea of hosting a wedding in the middle of Applefest® was developed to introduce a new draw to the festival and to cast a spotlight on the region throughout the year, by a group of downtown retailers, including Annie’s Bridal and Feldman Jewelers.

At first it was determined that “Appley Ever After” would include the ceremony plus a one-hour, non-alcoholic reception with appetizers and wedding cake to immediately follow the wedding. The scope of the prize, however, has grown since the idea was pitched to Franklin Area Chamber members to include a honeymoon, a bachelor golf outing, bridal shower setting, a savings bond, a prenuptial agreement and more!

Applefest® is a three-day festival set in the beautifully preserved Victorian Franklin downtown. The annual event features more than 300 arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, an apple-pancake breakfast, 5K Race for Any Pace, apple pie baking and eating contests, and lots more. Applefest® attracts more than 100,000 people over the weekend.

The 27th annual Applefest® is set for Friday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 4, 2008. The wedding will take place at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, October 3.

We are excited to bring this event to you and hope that everyone has a chance to participate!