Swifties of Franklin

There’s no doubt that Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour left a huge mark on Central Indiana, with many Franklin Swifties in attendance. For 12-year-old Emmaline Swigert, the experience was an amazing surprise. She has been a patient at Riley Hospital for Children since March 2023.

This fall, Amy Hatton nominated Emmaline from the Type 1 diabetes department at Riley for tickets to the Eras Tour. Sixteen patients were chosen to attend the concert through nominations from the staff in each hospital department. The excited, deserving group was even given a suite to enjoy the experience.

Emmaline was joined by her mom, Robin Swigert, at the concert in Indianapolis. Her father, Mike Swigert, an elementary music teacher at Webb and Union elementary schools in Franklin, fostered a love of music in Emmaline. Mike and Robin moved to Franklin in 2004 after marrying to grow their family in a small town. Mike loves the small-town feel of Franklin and says he “really enjoys living and teaching here.”

Emmaline’s favorite song was “Bejeweled” from the “Midnights” album. She wore an “Enchanted”-themed dress and her homemade bracelets to trade with her fellow Swifties throughout the concert. Her favorite bracelet was one she made with the iconic beaded letters spelling out “Tea Time” surrounded by hues of blue and pink. Emmaline made lasting memories attending the tour. “It was cool and really loud,” she recalls.

Few Franklin Swifties were able to attend the tour as it passed through Indianapolis, but their love for Taylor Swift was still felt in the community. Always looking for new ways to bring joy to the community, Holly Johnston, Franklin Parks and Recreation Director, took note of this. She and her team began working on putting an event together for the Swifties In Franklin. To honor the Swifties in our community, Franklin Parks and Recreation is inviting all the Eras lovers to “Bejeweled: A Taylor Swift Eras Party”. The party will be held on January 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Beeson Hall.

The Bejeweled party will be an opportunity for Swifties of any age to put on an outfit from the era they love, make and trade bracelets, enjoy appetizers, take pictures at the photo booth, and play some Taylor Swift bingo with prizes for the winners. The highlight of the party will be Taylor Swift covers from local singer Josie Nicole. She’ll have all the Swifties dancing and enjoying their own mini Eras Tour.

To register for tickets, visit franklinparks.com or stop by the Cultural Arts and Recreation Center. Tickets are $13 and include a novelty ticket that is mailed to attendees for them to keep. The event will be great for families, groups of friends and all other Taylor Swift lovers! All kids should be accompanied by a paying adult, which would make for some great bonding time.

Johnston hopes the event will be one to remember. “We just want everybody to enjoy something that’s affordable with their friends and family, and just have memories to last a lifetime,” Johnston says. So whether you are a Swiftie or love someone that is, grab your tickets and enjoy a night of fun!