Franklin Parish ProfileLocated in the center of Northeast Louisiana, Franklin Parish represents the hub of business and industrial activities for its surrounding rural parishes. Franklin Parish is strategically located between Monroe/West Monroe, and the historic city, Natchez, Mississippi. Franklin Parish is within easy commuting distance from these larger cities, located only 40 miles from Monroe and 65 miles from Natchez.
Rooted in agriculture, Franklin Parish citizens have always embraced a strong work ethic. These 24,000 citizens convey a positive attitude and a pride in their communities. The parish seat of Winnsboro has been described as a "friendly town" filled with people that are "easy to get to know." This community displays its unity by its down town beautification program complete with tree and flower plantings and town gazebo. As further show of civic pride, the citizens of Franklin Parish have renovated the Princess Theater in downtown Winnsboro. The renovated building now serves as a type of civic center for performances, meetings, and recitals. Also, the auditorium at Baskin High School has been placed on the National Register of Historic Buildings and is currently used for rehearsals and performances of the Franklin Youth Theater which was established in 1987.
The second Saturday in April is
reserved every year for the Annual Franklin Parish Catfish Festival. The
Franklin Parish Catfish Festival originated in 1986. The growth of the festival
has been incredible. The crowds have been estimated to have been over 40,000. It
has become the largest one day festival in the state of Louisiana.
