The Frankfort High School Hot Dog Band has a long history at Indiana State Fair Band Day, first competing from 1986 to 1992 and again from 1995 to 1997. The program returned to the competition in 2012 and has competed every year since. Over that time, the band has worked steadily to reach the Sweet 16 finals. This summer, all that effort paid off when Frankfort earned a spot in the finals for the first time in 33 years, beating out numerous other bands to finish 16th overall with an impressive score of 71.75. The achievement reflects years of dedication from past and present students, as well as support from staff, alumni, parents, and the community.
Getting ready for the 2025 season was intense. Students rehearsed for hundreds of hours over the summer, often in extreme heat, and many of them worked to balance marching band with other commitments and sports. The show – “Día de los Muertos” – came alive, with the color guard performing in skeleton outfits with marigold flags. Large props added to the spectacle of the show, while the band formed images like a cross, a skull, and a picture frame on the field. Every element of the performance took careful planning and practice. “The kids today are benefitting from the work of the kids from the past,” said director Jason Hutton, as years of fundraising have made shows like this year’s possible. In addition to the hard work that students put in, there were many people behind the scenes supporting the band’s push to the finals. “Whenever I would ask for something, it would happen. It makes my job so much easier, and I appreciate it more than they know,” Hutton said. Parents, staff, and volunteers provided meals, water, and encouragement, helping the students stay focused and energized throughout the summer.
Band Day itself was a long and emotional experience – almost a 24-hour day for the band. The day started at 3 a.m. with rehearsal, followed by the morning performance, then time to explore the fair and watch other bands before the night finals show. When the Hot Dogs were announced as finalists, students, staff, and alumni erupted in cheers and tears of joy in a moment that celebrated years of the band’s hard work and pride. As Hutton puts it, “Scores come and go, but what lasts are the experiences and memories these kids created together.”
