FARMINGTON – Franklin County’s eighth annual March for Violence-Free Communities will begin at 6 p.m. Friday at Meeting House Park on Main Street, across from the Superior Courthouse. The march will be followed by a program at Old South Church.

Keynote speaker Katie Marble will talk about a recent audit on domestic violence conducted by the Healthy Community Coalition. Marble is a health educator for the coalition. Other speakers will include state Rep. Janet Mills and SAVES Director Janine Winn.

The annual Peace in Our Families recognition awards will be presented to two individuals: Aimee DesRoches and Pamela Adams.

DesRoches is the Franklin County Community Outreach Coordinator for the Abused Women’s Advocacy Project. She has been with AWAP for 17 years and works on the behalf of families and women who have been victimized by domestic violence.

Adams is the director of client services for Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services. Adams, who trains volunteers the rape crisis hot line, has been with SAVES since 1990.

Marchers are invited to carry signs and to pass out fliers with information about violence and local resources, make noise and have fun, organizers said. E.L. Vining will provide a vehicle for participants who are unable to walk the length of the march. A short break for snacks and cold drinks will precede the program at Old South Church. The Franklin County Children’s Task Force will provide child care during the program.

An open microphone will be provided for anyone who wishes to speak about the issues of violence. For more information, people can call 778-9522.