The sponsorship of NW Legacy Law for the annual Holidays on Franklin Halloween celebration underscores the critical role local businesses play in sustaining community traditions that have evolved into significant regional attractions. The Vancouver estate planning firm joins other community supporters including the Today Foundation, Pacific Northwest Fundraising, and North Pole Adventureland in making the elaborate month-long display possible. This corporate citizenship enables the event founded by sisters Grace and Lucy Sherman to continue its remarkable growth trajectory, having attracted over 12,000 trick-or-treaters last year with expectations to exceed that number this Halloween.
The event's expansion from neighborhood gathering to internationally recognized attraction demonstrates how sustained community investment can create cultural landmarks. Grace Sherman noted the event's expanding reach, stating that Halloween on Franklin has gained international recognition and was featured in media outlets across the United States, as well as in Spain and Ecuador. This recognition transforms what began as a local tradition into a destination that brings positive attention to Vancouver while creating memorable experiences for families. The firm's location near Franklin Street on Vancouver's historic Officers Row positions it as a natural community partner for neighborhood events, illustrating how geographic proximity can foster meaningful corporate-community relationships.
The sponsorship model supporting Holidays on Franklin provides a blueprint for how other communities might sustain and grow similar traditions. Local sponsorship plays a crucial role in sustaining the event's growth and quality, enabling the elaborate lights and spooky animatronic attractions that operate nightly throughout October. The event's structure includes special enhancements on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with special effects, music, and surprise guests, while popcorn and pumpkins are available for purchase during sale nights. This sophisticated operation requires significant resources that community sponsors like NW Legacy Law help provide, ensuring the event remains free and accessible while maintaining high production values.
The economic and social ripple effects of such community investments extend beyond the immediate Halloween festivities. Across the street, a local church sells food and beverages to raise funds for the Boy Scouts of America, creating additional community engagement opportunities that benefit other organizations. The main trick-or-treating event on Halloween from 5 pm to 9 pm welcomes children of all ages while maintaining a family-friendly environment that allows leashed pets to participate. This inclusive approach, supported by local businesses, fosters community cohesion while attracting visitors who contribute to the local economy. The continued expansion of Holidays on Franklin demonstrates how local business support can fuel community traditions that gain widespread recognition, creating a virtuous cycle where corporate investment enhances community life, which in turn strengthens the local business environment.
As the event prepares for another potentially record-breaking year, the collaboration between local businesses and community organizers highlights the importance of corporate citizenship in building vibrant neighborhood experiences that attract both local families and international attention. The success of Holidays on Franklin serves as a case study in how strategic community partnerships can transform seasonal events into enduring traditions with measurable community impact. This model of local business engagement with community events represents a sustainable approach to cultural development that benefits all stakeholders while creating shared value that extends far beyond the Halloween season.
