As many of us set our goals and visions for the new year, you might wonder about our community leaders. What are their plans for moving forward in 2025?
WAAY 31 spoke with Cassie Medley, the executive director of the Franklin County Chamber, on Tuesday. Medley says their main focus this year is to sustain, maintain, and grow their community.
“We want visitors and locals alike to come to Franklin County to visit those attractions, to shop, and to stay the night,†said Medley.
Medley envisions 2025 as a year of growth for Franklin County.
They hope a fresh approach to social media will be the key to increasing foot traffic.
“How many people sit at home and do all of their event planning from social media?†Medley added.
She highlighted Franklin County’s distinction as the watermelon capital of the state and expressed hope that their 44th annual Watermelon Festival will attract more visitors from near and far.
“It brings in vendors—100-plus vendors—and crowds of up to 35,000 or greater over that weekend. It’s the Friday and Saturday of the third weekend in August, right in the summer heat, and we have a two-day festival,†Medley said.
Medley emphasized that Franklin County has much more to offer than meets the eye and encourages people to explore its attractions.
“We also want others to discover the gems of Franklin County and visit those attractions. Maybe you’ve never been to the Watermelon Festival, the Dismals, the Red Bay Museum, the historic rocks, or the theater. We want you to come and experience these places,†said Medley.
For details on all the events happening this year, encourages you to follow their social media pages.
