Annual Hydrant Painting Event

Franklin's 2025 Hydrant Painting Event (currently closed)

The Town of Franklin is hosting a hydrant painting event! Registration is open until August 1, 2025. Please see application and event rules below.

To see all past submissions and winners, check out the story map here!

Fire Hydrant Painting Event Rules

 The design should be appropriate for a public space and should not be political in nature, or be offensive in any way. Potential design themes include:

  • Designs inspired by the Historic Places, People and Events in Franklin;
  • Designs with a whimsical or humorous twist that will make viewers smile;
  • Context-sensitive designs that would uniquely connect a particular fire hydrant with its immediate surroundings;
  • Colorful, abstract designs.

The public and private space immediately around the fire hydrant should be kept clean and neat when not directly working on the fire hydrant. Please respect the property.

Registration is open until August 1, 2025. Proposed designs must be submitted for approval during this period, along with a completed application. Applicants will be notified by August 6, 2025.

Painting of fire hydrants can begin upon notification of your assigned hydrant and must be completed by Sept. 17, 2025.

Paint only on the assigned fire hydrant. The caps must be able to open after the paint dries. You must provide your own exterior paint or sealant. Nothing can be attached to the fire hydrant.

If words are included in your design, all words must be approved as a part of the design. You may use stencils, air brush with masking tape, or freehand your design.

You must apply the design submitted in this application. If you desire to make changes, you must seek approval from the Town of Franklin prior to changing your design.

If rules are not followed your hydrant will be painted over.

Judging will take place on the DPW Facebook page between September 22 and September 26, 2025. The picture with the most likes received on the Facebook post will be declared a winner in the following categories: Under the age of 12; 12 to 17; 18 & over; judges' choice.

Any questions should be addressed to: Doug Martin, Town of Franklin Water & Sewer Superintendent at 508-553-5500 or domartin@franklinma.gov.

Town of Franklin will be basing their decision to approve applications for painting based on creativity, originality, imagination, and appropriateness. All decisions on applications are final.

By participating in the Fire Hydrant Design Event you acknowledge that the Town of Franklin and its affiliates are not responsible in any way for any injury or property damage directly or indirectly associated with this event.


For more information and to access the 2025 Hydrant Painting Event Application, please click HERE!