With less than a day remaining before the 24th Hot Dog Festival gets underway in downtown Frankfort, event organizers have elected to do something they haven’t done in the previous years — have an opening ceremony that includes a weather balloon launch.
“Just the idea of having the balloon launch here kind of spurred the idea (of the opening ceremony),” said Frankfort Main Street Executive Director Kim Stevens. “We have so much in our community that goes on and lots of times we forget to thank the people that help make this happen. The ceremony starts at 11 o’clock and we will be honoring our military veterans and active members as well as civil servants.”
Stevens said the idea of the balloon launch came after talking with officials from Spaceport Indiana, who will be in town the entire week conducting an Indiana Space Camp at the Frankfort Municipal Airport. This launch will be the culmination of their week in Frankfort.
Stevens said the general layout is basically the same for this year’s festival as in the past. However, she said the Family Fun Zone is bigger than it’s ever been and will offer a lot of variety for both children and adults.
One of the items in the Family Fun Zone will be the SuperHeroes Inflatable Challenge, which will be youths age 5 to 15.
“Kids will need to find a partner who is a hero to them,” said Stevens. “It could be a mom and dad, a police officer. Anybody they look up to. Then they work as a team to get through the obstacles.”
Stevens added there will be an adult version of this on Saturday with the Hot Dog Ninja Team Challenge, which will be for ages 16 and up. Stevens said there will be a few more challenges stuck in their than in the SuperHeroes Challenge.
Also in the Family Fun Zone will be a never seen event called ‘Bumper Cars on Ice.’ This comes from a company in Colorado.
“It’s never been seen in the state of Indiana,” said Stevens. “We get to be the first community to experience this.”
With some of the changes made in the downtown area such as the opening of the Nickel Plate Flats Apartment Complex, Stevens said they made some layout changes to that area.
“We were kind of planning for Washington Avenue and Washington Street to be under construction with the new road work that’s going to taking place,” said Stevens. “So, we have just taken that road out of the festival for this year completely.”
Stevens said they shuffled things around. They will be in front of the Frankfort Community Public Library, the next block east will feature street pole vaulting and action will continue all the way down Clinton Street to in front of Old Stoney where they will have the BMX Bike Street Shows.
Another new event will be a Senior Talent Show that will take place at 1 p.m. Friday.
“I am very excited about the Senior Talent Show,” said Stevens. “We had several people tell us they didn’t want to compete against kids. So we decided to do a 60-and-over senior citizens talent show.”
Stevens also said the festival addressed the parking situation with a shuttle that will run from the parking lot at Frankfort High School to the corner of Washington and Jackson about every 20-30 minutes. People will be dropped off near Whiskey Rose and then be picked up near the driveway entrance to Nickel Plate Flats.
Also new this year is No Limit Professional Wrestling, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday.
Headline music on Friday and Saturday night will be brought to you by Witham Health Services. On Friday night, the Dogs of Society — The Ultimate Elton Rock Tribute rocks the spot-on sounds of classic ’70’s Elton. They will perform at 7:30 p.m. Then on Saturday night, State Line Drive, which consists of two sets of identical brothers from Missouri and Kansas, will perform a mix of pop and rock from the 80’s to today as well.
The following is a complete schedule of the two-day event:
Friday, July 27
11 a.m.
Opening Ceremony – please join us as we honor all Military Veterans & Active Duty as well as our Civil Servants
Spaceport Balloon Launch – watch a weather balloon launch from the Hot Dog Festival and track it on your phone –following opening ceremony
Official Hot Dog Festival Tent by Shoup’s Country Foods opens – Clinton/Main Street
Shoup’s Country Foods & Indiana Packers Brat booth open – Jackson Street
Art & Book Sale – Frankfort Public Library Book Sale – Friday & Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Noon
SuperHeroes Inflatable Challenge – one of the most exciting, fun races you will ever run. Ages 5-15 – Family Fun Zone on Washington Street
Family Fun Zone – check out our newly designed Puppy Park – designed to involve the entire family, complete with Bumper Cars on Ice!
Live remote with Randy & Scott with RadioMom – Clinton Street
Variety Show by Clinton County Youth Theater – Main Stage following opening ceremony
Wee Witham Opens – Attention Little Ones! Want to be a doctor or a nurse? Come and put on a doctor hat or nurses cap and help keep our babies healthy in the Wee Witham trailer. Take your hat and goodies home with you!
12:30 p.m.
Senior Talent Show – check-in – competition begins at 1 p.m.
Pop-Up Art – Frankfort Public Library booth
1 p.m.
Senior Citizen Talent Show – this is a fun and entertaining experience for both contestants and festival guests. Contestants showcase just how exciting life is after 60! Come out and show us what you’ve got!
2:30 p.m.
Frankfort’s Got Talent Show Competition – check in at 2 (Pre-K; Elementary, Middle School, High School & Adult)
3 p.m.
Clinton County Sheriff K9 Demonstrations – come out and watch our K9 officers in action – North Courthouse lawn
Pop-Up Art – Frankfort Public Library booth
4 p.m.
Youth Tennis – open play and skills activity – 4-7 p.m. – Clinton County YMCA
Wee Witham – Attention Little Ones! Want to be a doctor or a nurse? Come and put on a doctor hat or nurses cap and help keep our babies healthy in the Wee Witham trailer. Take your hat and goodies home with you!
4:30 p.m.
Darlington Road – Darlington Road provides audiences with professional rockin’ country entertainment. Specializing in high energy top 40 country music mixed with the greatest of yesterday’s country hits DR even mixes in classic rock & hip hop to keep all music fans entertained. Their original tunes have garnered radio play on many central Indiana radio stations and have gained the attention of all music fans alike.
6 p.m.
Clinton County Sheriff K9 Demonstrations – come out and watch our K9 officers in action – North Courthouse lawn
Pop-Up Art – Frankfort Public Library booth
Wee Witham – Attention Little Ones! Want to be a doctor or a nurse? Come and put on a doctor hat or nurses cap and help keep our babies healthy in the Wee Witham trailer. Take your hat and goodies home with you!
7:30 p.m.
Pickleball – come and check out the sport of pickleball from 7-9 p.m. – Main Street
Frisbee Dog Show – Trainer Bill Marion and crew will perform amazing tricks & catches – North Courthouse lawn
Dogs of Society – The Ultimate Elton Rock Tribute – brought to you by Witham Health Services. Dogs of Society rocks the spot-on sounds of classic ‘70s Elton, with all the heat of the original vinyl, in an ALL-LIVE rock concert experience. You’ll never be this close to Elton. . . but you’ll think you are when you see and hear Dogs of Society – The Ultimate Elton Rock Tribute. Driven by the “spot-on” vocals of Elton Juan (John Gore). The Dogs’ high-energy show delivers a rockin’ musical experience more faithful to the spirit of the classic, early Elton John recordings, rather than a flamboyant imitation. Inspired by Elton from the earliest years, John Gore formed Dogs of Society with the idea that Elton’s songs should be the star of the show, from smash hits like Bennie and the Jets, Tiny Dancer and Crocodile Rock to deeper cuts like Funeral for a Friend, Madman Across the Water, All the Girls Love Alice, Mona Lisa & Mad Hatters and many, many more.
Saturday, July 28
7:50 a.m.
Ainsley’s Angels Race Series events are unique in that we always have athletes competing on our courses in jogger chairs. An Angel Team consists of one rider and at least one runner. The Race Series is a special event that is based around inclusion with the riders being the spotlight of the event. The Race Series travels around the country working with Ambassadors to ensure everyone can experience endurance events
8 a.m.
5K Bun Run /Walk – get your buns mov’in as you relish the beauty of the day – E. Clinton Street
Coach Kids Breakfast – Biscuits & Gravy– Main Street Hot Dog Tent
9 a.m.
Art & Book Sale – Frankfort Public Library Book Sale – Friday & Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Curt Day Memorial Horseshoe Tournament – Dorner Park 858 S Clay Street
9:30 a.m.
5th Annual High Flying Hot Dog Street Vault – Street vaulting competition – W. Clinton Street
4th Annual Coach Kids Corn Hole Tournament – 9 a.m. bracket reveal – 9:30 start – Main Street
10 a.m.
Doxie Derby Registration – Dachshunds from all over will be competing to be the fastest doxie in Indiana! – no previous racing experience necessary all Dachshunds WELCOME! Registration from 10-11 am. Derby starts at 11
Bowser Bash Hot Dog Car Show – classic car show, music, fun and awards – East Clinton Street
11 a.m.
Festival Hot Dog Tent Opens
10th Annual Frankie’s Doxie Derby – Dachshunds from all over will be competing – no previous racing experience necessary all Dachshunds WELCOME!
Pop-Up Art– audience gets a chance to make and take a product – Frankfort Public Library booth
RC Demolition Derby – Russell’s RC Derby Barn will host a Remote Control Demolition Derby – E. Clinton Street
WILO Live Remote – join us in front of Pepes & The Farmers Bank with guests, giveaways and festival highlights
BC Bluegrass Band – are you ready for some great bluegrass music? I promise BC Bluegrass will not disappoint you. Come and join us for some toe tappin, foot stompin good music.
Shine 99 Live Remote – – join us in front of the Iron Block building with guests, giveaways and festival highlights
Hot Dog Ninja Team Challenge – Battle Zone, Hungry Hippo, Foot Darts, Wrecking Ball – just a few of the 12+ challenges required to complete this insanely fun race! Get your team together and be prepared to laugh – Ages 16+ – Family Fun Zone on Washington Street
Noon
Frisbee Dog Show – Trainer Bill Marion and crew will perform amazing tricks & catches – North Courthouse lawn
Frankfort High School Band – led by Mr. Jason Hutton – main stage
Wee Witham – Attention Little Ones! Want to be a doctor or a nurse? Come and put on a doctor hat or nurses cap and help keep our babies healthy in the Wee Witham trailer. Take your hat and goodies home with you!
1 p.m.
Wonder Wheels BMX Stunt Bike Show – you can expect the biggest jaw dropping tricks imaginable. The non-stop action will keep your group riveted. The emcee will announce all of the action while the stunt team executes thrilling feats to an energizing soundtrack. The ramp used is the larger 5’ x 8’ x 24’ box jump. This allows for bigger stunts and for multiple riders to be performing simultaneously.
Pop-Up Art– audience gets a chance to make and take a product – Frankfort Public Library booth
Talent Show Finals – if needed
Drunk Driving Simulator – stop by the IU Health booth from 1- 4 today and try out the drunk driving simulator.
3 p.m.
Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos – Folkloric dance, like its equivalent English term folk dance, means “dances of the people.” The dances reflect the traditions, customs, legends, beliefs and lifestyles of people in particular countries and regions. Folkloric dance expresses the life and spirit of a people through its movement and music. It is both historical and current, preserving tradition yet moving with the present times Latino/Hispanic music and dance.
3:30 p.m.
Frisbee Dog Show – Trainer Bill Marion and crew will perform amazing tricks & catches – North Courthouse lawn
Wee Witham – Attention Little Ones! Want to be a doctor or a nurse? Come and put on a doctor hat or nurses cap and help keep our babies healthy in the Wee Witham trailer. Take your hat and goodies home with you!
4 p.m.
Battle of the Bands Main Stage
Youth Tennis – open play and skills activity – 4-7 p.m. – Main Street
Pop-Up Art– audience gets a chance to make and take a product – Frankfort Public Library booth
5 p.m.
Wonder Wheels BMX Stunt Bike Show – you can expect the biggest jaw dropping tricks imaginable. The non-stop action will keep your group riveted. The emcee will announce all of the action while the stunt team executes thrilling feats to an energizing soundtrack. The ramp used is the larger 5’ x 8’ x 24’ box jump. This allows for bigger stunts and for multiple riders to be performing simultaneously.
5:30 p.m.
Sheltered Reality – Begun in 1997 as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, Sheltered Reality (SR) has dedicated itself to being a youth-oriented project, where youth members in SR use music and education as a way to reach out to audiences, motivating them to advocate for those in need, especially children and families. The educational message presented focuses on facts, statistics, and real-life stories, and culminates with character education and ideas for action. SR’s unique percussive approach to performing music inspires the audience members to ‘take on the world’ and ensures that the message ‘doing good is fun’ is remembered by all in attendance.
6 p.m.
Clinton County Sheriff K9 Demonstrations – come out and watch our K9 officers in action – North Courthouse lawn
No Limit Professional Wrestling – family friendly professional wrestling entertainment
Pop-Up Art– audience gets a chance to make and take a product – Frankfort Public Library booth
7 p.m.
Frisbee Dog Show – Trainer Bill Marion and crew will perform amazing tricks & catches – North Courthouse lawn
Pickleball – come and check out the sport of pickleball from 7-9 p.m. – Main Street
Hot Dog Eating Contest – Main stage
Wonder Wheels BMX Stunt Bike Show – you can expect the biggest jaw dropping tricks imaginable. The non-stop action will keep your group riveted. The emcee will announce all of the action while the stunt team executes thrilling feats to an energizing soundtrack. The ramp used is the larger 5’ x 8’ x 24’ box jump. This allows for bigger stunts and for multiple riders to be performing simultaneously.
8:30 p.m.
State Line Drive – brought to you by Witham Health Services. State Line Drive was formed when twin brothers Mason and Micah Marrs from Missouri joined forces with brothers Joel and Jordan Mills from Kansas. They have been traveling across the Midwest since. In early 2015 they released their first country project, Stay Green, with Seedhouse Records in Nashville, TN. The Stay Green Tour took them to over 40 towns in 6 different states in the summer of 2015. The following year they released their second project with Seedhouse Records, Curshin on You, and spent the next summer on the road with the Crushin on You Tour. They’ve had a very busy 2017 on the Get Away Tour, performing at 60 different events. They have had the privilege of opening for many national acts such as Billy Currington, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, Gloriana, Mark Chesnutt, Keith Anderson, William Michael Morgan and more. They have appeared on several Kansas City radio and television shows and have sung the National Anthem before several Kansas City sporting events. While country music makes up the heart of their set, they throw in a great mix of pop and rock from the 80’s to today as well. Their tight harmonies, high energy show and young image make them a hit with audiences of all ages.