Franklin will celebrate 40th anniversay of Johnny Cash - June Carter wedding

Forty years ago — in March of 1968 — country music singers Johnny Cash and June Carter slipped away to Franklin, Kentucky, to get married.

Cash and Carter had tried to keep their wedding a secret, but word got out — and a crowd gathered in front of Franklin’s First United Methodist Church. A few lucky fans got to watch from the church balcony as the famous couple said “I do.”

Now, Franklin is preparing to host a Johnny Cash 40th wedding anniversary party on Saturday, March 29th. The celebration will include a tribute concert, a look-alike contest, and a Johnny Cash karaoke competition. All events are free.

Also scheduled on March 29th is the second annual Cherry Blossom Art Festival. The courthouse square in Franklin is lined with cherry trees that bloom at the end of March each year. The cherry blossom festival features regional artists working inside downtown stores.

For a schedule of events, contact the Simpson County Tourism Commission in Franklin toll-free at 866-531-2040 or visit the website www.franklinky.info.