July 31, 2006
Hot Dog!
One thing I have been looking forward to ever since I heard about it last January is the Frankfort Hot Dog Festival. This has seriously been on my mind for months, and I had visions of small town Main Street lined with classic hot dog vending carts (like you would see in Chicago or New York) and maybe an awesome folk band playing and a man dressed up in a hot dog costume (a la that adorable Pepsi commercial). It just seemed magical. So it was with great expectations that Erica and I drove to Frankfort on Saturday afternoon.
It took about half an hour to get to Frankfort. I love driving in Indiana because you can see all around you. I used to think that I wanted to live back East because more trees, but lately I realize more and more how much I love being able to look out and see long distances rather than be constrained by the trees tunneling the road. We passed through a small town called Mulberry, which made both of us pause for just a moment as we questioned - isn't that where Andy Griffith was from? But then we remembered - that was Mayberry. Anyway, this town had a pretty obvious landmark.
Erica prepared herself for the festival by sporting a sidy pony.
Here it is in action!
We finally got to Frankfort. I think it's so awesome that the mascot of the high school here is also the hot dog. Again, I pictured a hot dog in a bun looking fierce. So you can imagine my disappointment when the logo was a fierce looking wiener dog.
This was just the first of many disappointments.
Here's a nice town square in Frankfort. Main Street, where the festival was, was all blocked off, so we had to park down another street and cross over some railroad tracks to get into town.
For some reason, all small towns in Indiana have amazing courthouses.
I hadn't eaten all morning because I was making room for all the delicious hot dogs, so of course that was the first order of business. Sadly, my vision of a street lined with hot dog carts was shattered when we only found one cart-like vendor and then a large tent with the official Frankfort hot dogs. We ate at the official place because it was shaded.
I really hate this picture, but for the integrity of sharing my hot dog festival experience, I feel compelled to post it.
Here's Erica truly enjoying her frank.
After our delicious coney-style dogs, we decided to check out Frankfort and some of the vendors. I really liked these windows.
This booth had everything made out of baskets! You could get a basket mailbox, basket trash can, basket bread box, basket chairs, etc.
If you couldn't already tell how classy this festival was, this next item will leave you without doubt.
As we walked around the vendors, we finally came across a little eating station that was more what I pictured. Brightly painted and festive. They were selling Lemon Shake-ups, which Erica had heard from a local girl that they were awesome and you just had to get one.
Sadly, like so much else this day, the Lemon Shake-up was a little disappointing. It was sugar, water, ice, and a lemon wedge all shook up.
We continued to browse an antique booth, and came across a couple choice items. I never thought about turning that old crib into a chair, but hey, it works.
Or you've heard of having a time out chair for the naughty kids, but how about a God time chair?
As we were walking out of town, we enjoyed some showcased portraits at a photographer's studio. Except for this one, which is really creepy.
Frankfort apparently has a lot going on. I might have to come back some time and check out this night club (although, I'm wondering if it's more a "lady of the" night club).
And one final picture. I just really liked the red of this wall.
So there you have it. I wouldn't make a special trip for the Hot Dog Festival, but I'm glad I went at least once.