The following is the schedule for the Hot Dog Festival scheduled July 29, 30 and 31 in downtown Frankfort. Links will open to the specific event page where you can add to your calendar and share:
FRIDAY, JULY 29
10:00 am
RadioMom – live remote – join Randy & Scott for a fun filled hour
10:30 am
Senior Talent Show Check-in (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
11:00 am
Opening Ceremony (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
Official Hot Dog Festival Tent by Shoup’s Country Foods opens (Main St & Washington St)
Family Fun Zone Opens (S Columbia St)
DockDogs®– Registration & Practice – DockDogs® was born in 2000 to create a nationally recognized competitive sport based on rules and precedents in Track and Field competitions. Much of DockDogs® Big Air Dog competitions’ popularity comes from having national standards and objective measures that allow people to train competitively and have objective feedback on their progress. Also, our open competitions allow “anyone with a dog and toy” to participate in the sport and have a chance at national recognition
DockDogs® is an organization about having fun and celebrates every improvement with our competitors, staff, sponsors, and spectators. Even an inch improvement over a team’s previous jump is something to be happy about. We continue to work hard to keep the sport as simple and fun as possible, and to create a culture of camaraderie amongst the Novice through the experienced competitors. We want teams to participate at whatever level they and their dogs can compete, so we created divisions for each of the different disciplines, which in turn allows teams to be ranked and awarded fairly against other competing teams, based on their current performance abilities.
DockDogs® consists of 3 different sporting disciplines:
Big Air – the first sport of DockDogs® and the most popular, this is the Long Jump of canine aquatics.
Extreme Vertical – introduced in 2005 it is considered the High Jump of canine aquatics.
Speed Retrieve – launched in 2008 this is a timed sport involving the combination of run, jump, swim and retrieve. (W Washington St.)
11:30 am
Stage 1 Dance Academy – come out and support our local dance studio. These kids work really hard and do an amazing job! (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
12:00 pm
Senior Talent Show – All participants in the Senior Citizen Talent Show must be 55 years of age or older. Entries will be accepted in the following categories: Vocal Solo, Vocal Group, Instrumental Solo / Group; Open Class / Free Choice (i.e. Dance, Story Telling, Poetry Recital, Comedy, Etc.). All acts shall be of quality nature. Any lewd or inappropriate acts will be immediately asked to leave the stage (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
Frankfort’s Got Talent Contest – Bring your best talent and share it with the community. All contestants in the Frankfort’s Got Talent Contest must register in one of these age groups: Pre-K – Elementary; Middle – High School; Adult – 18 and up. All contestants must be registered no later than 11:30 am, Friday, July 29th. (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
1:00 pm
DockDogs® Big Air Wave #1 – Big Air is a “long jump for dogs”. The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′ dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy (provided by the handler) is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface. (W Washington St)
3:00 pm
Ma Bell – one of a kind, singer, songwriter, and musician (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
DockDogs® Big Air Wave #2 – Big Air is a “long jump for dogs”. The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′ dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy (provided by the handler) is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface. (W Washington St)
WILO/Shine 99 Remote – Join Cindy, Kevin and Mike from 3 to 5 pm
4:30 pm
Paul Green Rock Academy – The Paul Green Rock Academy (PGRA) is an advanced touring ensemble of young musicians between the ages of 10 and 18 who have been selected for their musical prowess, showmanship, love of performing, and ability to share the stage with professional musicians as they tour the world. This summer the students will be touring as the backing band for Jon Anderson, from the band Yes, and Gibby Haynes of Butthole Surfers. They play many genres of music from Abba to Zappa (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
5:00 pm
DockDogs® Big Air Wave #3 – Big Air is a “long jump for dogs”. The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′ dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface. (W Washington St)
Beer Garden Opens – 5 – 10 pm (Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)
6:30 pm
No Fences The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute – No Fences is the #1 tribute to country music icon Garth Brooks featuring Dusty Miller. Located in the heart of the midwest, No Fences faithfully replicates the sound, look and feel of a Garth Brooks concert. (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park)
7:00 pm
DockDogs® Extreme Vertical – Extreme Vertical is a “high jump” for dogs. The dog starts off at the 20’ mark on the dock & jumps up to grab a bumper toy extended out 8’ from the end of the dock over the water. The starting height for Extreme Vertical is 4’6” & goes up in 2” increments as competition progresses. (W Washington St)
K9 Demonstrations by Clinton County Sheriff’s Office & Frankfort Police Department – this is an opportunity for the K9 Officers to demonstrate what their K9 partners do every day to keep our community safe. (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
8:00 pm
Molter Brothers – an acoustic duo playing a wide range of genres including 60’s & 70’s folk-rock, bluegrass, mellow classic rock and gospel (E Washington St)
8:30 pm
Terry Lee Ridley – Terry Lee and his Million Dollar Band are a high energy, first class show band built around the lightning fast piano pumpin’, Rockaboogie playing of London England’s Terry Lee Ridley. You will be left breathless as Terry and his group of world class musicians thunder through a large selection of hits from the 50’s and 60’s such as “Great Balls of Fire”, “Whole lotta Shakin’” and so much more! (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
9:00 pm
Drew Baldridge – with a voice as rich as the mid-western soil he was raised on, Patoka, IL native, Drew Baldridge’s music reflects small town life while living large on the simple things. Drew’s music is the soundtrack to life, be it a rowdy Friday night or a peaceful Sunday morning. His songs and performances transport listeners to their favorite memories all while making new one. He has shared the stage with artists such as Alabama, Phil Vassar, Montgomery Gentry, and Justin Moore to name a few. (E Washington St)
SATURDAY, JULY 30
8:00 am
COACH Kids Breakfast – Come enjoy a delicious breakfast of biscuits & gravy, fresh fruit & a drink for $5 and support local youth mentoring. Additional to traditional community-based mentoring, CK facilitates school-based mentoring and the new, high school student self referring Friends for Life program. Every dollar donated goes to mentoring youth in Clinton County (Encompass Credit Union Event Center at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)
COACH Kids Cornhole Registration – 8:00-8:45; 9:00 am bracket reveal.
5K Bun Run & Walk – What did the Mama Hot Dog say to the little frankfurter? Ketch-up! Get your buns movin’ as you relish the beauty of this amazing 5K on neighborhood streets in beautiful downtown Frankfort. Come early and enjoy a great warm-up. Day of registrations & packet pick-up at 7 am (E Washington St)
“The Underground Throwdown” Weightlifting Competition – brought to you by the Clinton County Family YMCA. Bench Press & Deadlift – best of 3 lifts will be recorded. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners in each category. All proceeds will go towards new fitness equipment for the Y! (Prairie Creek Park – Garage – E Washington St)
9:00 am
Bowser Bash Car Show – Come one come all – Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and golf cars welcome. You know it is going to be a doggone good time with TNT Tunes is involved! Registration from 9-1 p.m. — award at 3 pm (W Washington St)
Frankfort Public Library Artists’ Market – Frankfort Public Library, 2nd Floor, Room 219, 9 am – 4 pm. An assortment of artists from paintings to homemade treats! (W Clinton St)
The Friend’s Annual Book Sale – Frankfort Public Library, 1st Floor, Circulation Area – 9 am – 5 pm (W Clinton St)
7th Annual Gem City Dog Fight RC Demolition Derby Inspections – Russell’s RC Derby Barn will host a Remote-Control Demolition Derby!! Top 3 will be awarded trophies. Inspection begins at 9-10:30am, event starts at 11am (W Washington St)
Clinton County Sheriff’s Office & Frankfort Police Department K9 Demonstrations come out and watch our K9 officers in action. Thank you all for what you do every day! (Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)
9:30 am
BMX Wonder Wheels Stunt Show – you can expect the biggest jaw dropping tricks imaginable. The non-stop action will keep your group riveted. The emcee will announce all 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 (E Washington St.)
COACH Kids Cornhole Tournament – Bring your skills, make a difference and have a great time! Every dollar donated goes to youth mentoring in Clinton County. (Encompass Credit Union Event Center at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)
“Over the Top Tours” Street Vault – Frankfort Hot Dog Festival and Richey’s Hometown. Live music, great food, and some high vaultage! (N Columbia St)
10:00 am
Doxie Derby Dachshund Race, & “Doxie Wanna Be” Race Registrations – please bring your copy of up-to-date vaccines. All dogs must be leashed or crated if not competing. All handlers are expected to clean up after their dogs (N Courthouse Lawn)
Got a Long Little Doggie sign-up – The Longest Wiener Dog * Shortest Wiener Dog * Best Dressed (costume) – come sign-up and let the judges decide. Competition begins at 11 am (N Courthouse Lawn)
DockDogs® – registration & practice – DockDogs® born in 2000 to create a nationally recognized competitive sport based on rules and precedents in Track and Field competitions. Much of DockDogs® Big Air Dog competitions’ popularity comes from having national standards and objective measures that allow people to train competitively and have objective feedback on their progress. Also, our open competitions allow “anyone with a dog and toy” to participate in the sport and have a chance at national recognition
DockDogs® is an organization about having fun and celebrates every improvement with our competitors, staff, sponsors, and spectators. Even an inch improvement over a team’s previous jump is something to be happy about. We continue to work hard to keep the sport as simple and fun as possible, and to create a culture of camaraderie amongst the Novice through the experienced competitors. We want teams to participate at whatever level they and their dogs can compete, so we created divisions for each of the different disciplines, which in turn allows teams to be ranked and awarded fairly against other competing teams, based on their current performance abilities. DockDogs® consists of 3 different sporting disciplines:
Big Air – the first sport of DockDogs® and the most popular, the Long Jump of canine aquatics.
Extreme Vertical – introduced in 2005 it is considered the High Jump of canine aquatics.
Speed Retrieve – launched in 2008 this is a timed sport involving the combination of run, jump, swim and retrieve. (W Washington St.)
WILO/Shine 99 Remote — join Cindy, Kevin and Mike from 10 am – noon.
10:15 am
Mike Hemmelgarn – Comedy, Juggler, Ventriloquist – He learned the art of ventriloquism like so many have, from a “Jimmy Nelson Instant Ventriloquism” record album. He first learned to juggle from a talented co-worker. He started with tennis balls, Finally, magic and balloon sculpting were incorporated to compliment one of the most unique acts in the business. Since graduating from Wright-State University in Dayton, OH, Mike has performed at thousands of Corporate Events, banquets, Schools, Libraries, Fairs & Festivals, and Theaters. He has been the opening act for Dennis DeYoung and Styx, has been a recurring “family friendly” performer at Funny bone comedy clubs, and has appeared as a special guest (6 times) on FOX news doing entertainment segments. (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)
11:00 am
7th Annual Gem City Dog Fight RC Demolition Derby (W Washington St)
Linda Smith Band – sultry blues, classic rock, and good ol’ country music. Linda surrounds herself with some of the industry’s most talented musicians that contribute in creating a powerhouse show that is sure to get you movin’ and groovin’ (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
Silly Safaris Live Animal Show & Meet & Greet – Silly Safaris is the leading provider of live animal conservation education in Indiana and provides over 3,000 conservation inspiring live animal shows every year throughout the United States of America (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)
DockDogs® Big Air Wave #4 -Big Air is a “long jump for dogs”. The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′dock, runs, and jumps into the water after a throw toy (provided by the handler) is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface. (W Washington St)
13th Annual Doxie Derby – Come one come all – dachshunds of all ages and sizes are welcome to participate. Nothing is more fun than watching cute doxies racing and trying to figure out where the finish line is. Classes: Puppy, Adult, Sr and “Doxie Wanna Be” (short or long dogs, such as Corgi, Basset, Dachshund mixes) will run after the Doxie Derby. (N Courthouse Lawn)
Got a Long Little Doggie Contest – join us for a fun contest to see who has the “Longest Wiener”; “Shortest Wiener” or the “Best Dressed Wiener” (costume) Dog. (N Courthouse lawn)
Hot Dog Food Tent & Family Fun Zone opens.
12:00 pm
BMX Wonder Wheels Stunt Show -you can expect the biggest jaw Dropping tricks imaginable. The non-stop action will keep your group riveted. The emcee will announce all 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 (E Washington St.)
12:30 pm
Silly Safaris Live Animal Show & Meet & Greet – Silly Safaris is the leading provider of live animal conservation education in Indiana and provides over 3,000 conservation inspiring live animal shows every year throughout the United States of America (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)
1:00 pm
Prairie Grass Cloggers – have you ever wanted to learn the dance of clogging? This is your chance to learn more about it. (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
DockDogs® Big Air Wave #5 – Big Air is a “long jump for dogs”. The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′ dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy (provided by the handler) is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface .(W Washington St)
Harry Potter Party – It’s that time of year again! Brush up on that magic, wrangle some dragons and compete in some wizarding games! It’s our annual Harry Potter Party. Frankfort Public Library 2nd floor in the Art Room 204, 1-3 pm for all ages! (E Clinton St)
1:30 pm
BMX Wonder Wheels Stunt Show -you can expect the biggest jaw dropping tricks imaginable. The non-stop action will keep your group riveted. The emcee will announce all 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 (E Washington St)
1:45 pm
Mike Hemmelgarn – Comedy, Juggler, Ventriloquist – He learned the art of ventriloquism like so many have, from a “Jimmy Nelson Instant Ventriloquism” record album. He first learned to juggle from a talented co-worker. He started with tennis balls, and has evolved to bowling balls, knives, machetes, torches and other ridiculous things! Finally, magic and balloon sculpting were incorporated to compliment one of the most unique acts in the business. Mike has performed at thousands of Corporate Events, banquets, Schools, Libraries, Fairs & Festivals, and Theaters. He has been the opening act for Dennis DeYoung and Styx, has been a recurring “family friendly” performer at Funny bone comedy clubs, and has appeared as a special guest (6 times) on FOX news. (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage – E Washington St)
2:00 pm
Hoosier Storytellers – Skanta Theater, 2nd floor of Frankfort Public Library. Hot Dog Hall of Fame Board Members Don Rusk and Don Stock will join inductees Randall “Boe” Workman and Chad Buntin on the Skanta stage at the Frankfort Community Public Library as a part of the library’s Hoosier Storytellers series. Hosted by librarian Mike Clossin, the program will take a look at the origins of the Hall of Fame, find out about the lives of the two inductees, encourage the community to nominate deserving members and end after about an hour with a brief Q&A session. (Frankfort Public Library – W Clinton St)
2:30 pm
Silly Safaris Live Animal Show & Meet & Greet – Silly Safaris is the leading provider of live animal conservation education in Indiana and provides over 3,000 conservation inspiring live animal shows every year throughout the United States of America (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)
3:00 pm
DockDogs® Big Air Wave #6 -Big Air is a “long jump for dogs”. The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy (provided by the handler) is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface. (W Washington St)
3:00 pm
Amonte King – Amonte is a pastor and recording artist from Marion, IN who has been all over the country preaching and singing at a very young age. (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
3:30 pm
Karate Demonstrations – Frank Harness KARATE USA students will demonstrate the art of Shorei Goju Ryu, empty hand techniques and weapons. Kyoshi Harness is an 8th degree Blackbelt with over 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts. He opened his dojo (school) in March 1993 in Frankfort. Kyoshi says “We aren’t just training black belts but future leaders in our community. Making America stronger one black belt at a time”. (E Washington St)
4:00 pm
Silly Safaris Live Animal Show & Meet & Greet – Silly Safaris is the leading provider of live animal conservation education in Indiana and provides over 3,000 conservation inspiring live animal shows every year throughout the United States of America (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)
5:00 pm
Karate Demonstrations – Frank Harness KARATE USA students will demonstrate the art of Shorei Goju Ryu, empty hand techniques and weapons. Kyoshi Harness is an 8th degree Blackbelt with over 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts. He opened his dojo (school) in March 1993 in Frankfort. Kyoshi says “We aren’t just training black belts but future leaders in our community. Making America stronger one black belt at a time”. (E Washington St)
DockDogs® Speed Retrieve – Speed Retrieve is a “timed event”. At the far end of the pool a bumper toy is suspended 2” above the water with a starting indicator light above it. The dog is then placed at the 20’ white starting mark on the dock, when the light turns green the handler releases the dog, the time clock stops when the dog has pulled the toy from the Speed Retrieve bracket. (W Washington St)
Beer Garden Opens – 5-10 pm (Prairie Creek Park -E Washington St)
5:30 pm
Modern Day Cure – is a worship collective led by husband-and-wife team Aaron and Tamar Chipp. The band’s heart is to exalt Jesus, share His truth, and see people changed by His power. Their name is inspired by Hebrews 13:8, which states“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” This truth makes Him the modern day cure. They believe Jesus is the answer the world needs today. With more than a decade of experience as worship leaders and pastors, the Nashville-based band is known for its energetic and engaging worship and teaching that crosses cultural and denominational boundaries (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
Hot Dog Eating Contest – Contestants will compete in the 4th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest sponsored in part by NHK Seating. Grand prize is $500 to the contestant who eats the most hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Will the winner have what it takes to become a challenger for world record holder Joey Chestnut. Chestnut holds the record for eating 63 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2022. (E Washington St)
6:00 pm
Hot Dog Hall of Fame ceremony at Frankfort High School auditorium
Mike Hemmelgarn – Comedy, Juggler, Ventriloquist – He learned the art of ventriloquism like so many have, from a “Jimmy Nelson Instant Ventriloquism” record album. He first learned to juggle from a talented co-worker. He started with tennis balls, and has evolved to bowling balls, knives, machetes, torches and other ridiculous things! Finally, magic and balloon sculpting were incorporated to compliment one of the most unique acts in the business. Since graduating from Wright-State University in Dayton, OH, Mike has performed at thousands of Corporate Events, banquets, Schools, Libraries, Fairs & Festivals, and Theaters. He has been the opening act for Dennis DeYoung and Styx, has been a recurring “family friendly” performer at Funny bone comedy clubs, and has appeared as a special guest (6 times) on FOX news doing entertainment segments. (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)
6:30 pm
Mellencougar – Tribute to John Mellencamp – Mellencougar is made up of a group of musicians from the Illinois/Wisconsin scene. Our appreciation of the music of Heartland U.S.A. and specifically John Cougar Mellencamp helped to create our band and gain the respect of many venues, fans and musicians. Mellencougar has shared the stage with Eddie Money, Blake Shelton, the Spin Doctors, Styx, Night Ranger, Jamey Johnson and many other national acts. (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)
7:00 pm
DockDogs® – Big Air Finals (W Washington St)
8:00 pm
VOX5 Acapella – come and celebrate Frankfort’s very own celebrity – Patrick Day & Friends. (E Washington St)
8:30 pm
Sidewalk Prophets – Integrating worship with real life – that is one of the simple truths Sidewalk Prophets has learned to live by. The two friends had no idea what was in store for them when their paths crossed at Anderson University eight years ago, but one listen to their hugely anticipated major label debut, These Simple Truths, confirms the band’s undeniable talent. The fact that they have been on the road for 150+ dates per year for the past half-decade and show no signs of slowing down attests to their tenacious work ethic. But while there are tons of bands with talent and tenacity who never progress beyond the garage, Sidewalk Prophets insist it is the ever-present hand of the Lord that has lifted them to the next level of their career. (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)
8:45 pm
Frankfort Senior High School Band – Led by band director Jason Hutton (E Washington St)
9:00 pm
CRUSH Bon Jovi Experience – Crush the Ultimate Bon Jovi Experience based out of Indianapolis, Indiana formed in 2019 and is led by front man and lead singer Doug Shepard. Doug, who strongly resembles Jon Bon Jovi captures not only Jon’s look but also his energetic showmanship and dynamic vocal expression. (E Washington St)
11:00 pm
Fireworks! Thank you all so much and be safe going home – see you next year at the Frankfort Main Street Hot Dog Festival! Put it on your calendar – July 28, 29 & 30, 2023!
SUNDAY, JULY 31
10:00 am
Community Worship Service – One Christ, One Body. A non-denominational worship service featuring VOX5 Acapella. Sponsored by the Clinton County Ministerial Association and Frankfort Main Street, Inc. Join us for a UNIFIED worship experience to close the annual Frankfort Hot Dog Festival! Please bring your own chair. (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)
