The Little Tennessee River Basin boasts an incredible amount of ancient artifacts and spectacular views to coincide with a plethora of wildlife.  If you think about it, objectively, it’s one of the prime areas within the Great Smoky Mountains.  It’s understandable why the Town of Franklin spawned on the banks of the Little Tennessee River long ago.  Civilizations dating back long before Christ were uncovered here, demonstrating the sustenance and beauty that this land provided – and continues to provide for towns like Franklin today.

With various access sites along the Little Tennessee River throughout Franklin and the Macon County area, anglers and water recreationists continue to enjoy one of Franklin’s greatest assets.

Speaking of wildlife and having fun on the water; On Saturday, Aug. 23, the Little Tennessee River will be bombarded with ducks and hand-crafted rafts.  The first ever Franklin RiverFest of 2014 is coming to Franklin this Saturday.  Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Franklin – Daybreak, the festival will feature several activities in an effort to raise money for local humanitarian organizations; such as CareNet, the Franklin High School Interact Club, Community Care Clinic, and many more.

The day will kick off at 9 a.m. with a 5K race on the Little Tennessee River Greenway, at the Tassee Shelter on Ulco Drive.  Runners can register online at franklinriverfest.com.  A duck derby will get underway at 10:30 a.m., with prizes that include get-a-ways to Myrtle Beach, Lake Chatuge and Hilton Head.  The climax is the “Anything that Floats Raft Regatta.” Home-made rafts will trek 1.5 miles down the Little Tennessee, with $1,500 in prize money available to the best raft-builders.

Please come out and support a good cause, and help build what is sure to be an ongoing, fun-filled event for everyone.  Visit franklinriverfest.com for more information about the first ever Franklin RiverFest.