March 19, 2024

Local businesses say ‘Thanks with Franks’

Young Professionals of Jasper County head up the event for 9th year

The Young Professionals of Jasper County are once again working with local businesses to say “Thanks with Franks.”

From 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday on the Jasper County Courthouse lawn, local businesses will set up themed booths and create their own special hot dog to say “thank you” to the community at the fun, family-friendly event.

“A lot of the businesses create it based on their kind of business. You’re going to see all kinds of different (hot dogs),” said Jeff Price, Young Professionals of Jasper County member.

Some past creations have been the Elvis Dog with peanut butter and bananas, Hippie Hot Dog, Smashed Dog and Garbage Dog. A few to look forward to this year are Pizza Dog, Cornie Dog, Hot Rodster Dog, Garden Dog, Zombie Dog and Campfire in a Bun, just to name a few.

“We’ve got a pretty good amount of businesses that do it every year. Most of the creative booths are done within a half hour,” Price said. The event started nine years ago with around 12 to 15 participants and has grown to around 50 booths serving 10,000 hot dogs to estimated crowds of 1,500 to 2,000.

To have a little fun, each hot dog creation will be judged in two categories. “The BIG Wiener” will be crowned the most popular hot dog/theme and “You’re the Money Dog” is the dog that raises the most money for its charity. There will be a central voting location for people to cast their vote for what they think is the “Top Dog.” The winners will receive free admission to Thanks with Franks next year.

Money raised will go to the Red Pride organization along with other select charities. Also, a school organization will have a drinks booth, with 100 percent of the proceeds going back to the organization. The Young Professionals have also had some of the proceeds donated for the event.

“Sara Lee donates half of the hot dog buns. We’ve been very fortunate to have them help even though we have grown so much,” Price said.

The Young Professionals also have events planned in the coming months. A social hour, bus tour and its annual chili dinner when the courthouse holiday lights are turned on are in works.

Contact Staff Writer Jamee A. Pierson at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com.