More food, more family, more fun.
The downtown Newton square will be home to the ninth annual Thanks with Franks event tomorrow, starting at 5 p.m. and organizers are prepared for another successful year.
More than 11,000 hot dogs will be given out at the downtown event, hosted by the Young Professionals of Jasper County. A total of 55 businesses and organizations will participate in this year’s Thanks with Franks, the highest number of registered vendors since its start in 2003.
Each vendor will create and serve an original style hot dog. The event is designed as a way for area businesses to say “thank you” to their supporters in a fun and family-friendly way.
“It’s a way for the business community to give back and host an event that’s laid back and fun,” vice president of YPJC Rob Kahn said. “I’m looking forward to all of the people and activity on the square. Just all the traffic on the square, the people, it’s pretty neat.”
This year the YPJC have included a live band and a hot dog eating contest to the outdoor event. Attendees can also vote for their favorite hot dog at the YPJC table and the organization associated with the winning dog will receive the The Big “Weiner” trophy.
“We’re trying to make it fun for everyone and I think this year will be a great time,” co-chair of the Thanks with Franks YPJC committee Kristin Titus said. “I just love seeing how more and more people come out each year.”
The Thanks with Franks event allows two local organizations an opportunity to fundraise each year. This year, the Newton Senior High School Drama Department and the Newton Community Red Pride Day will receive all of the proceeds and money raised at the event.
The drama department is always there, but often underlooked, and the Red Pride Day is a way to teach that giving back to a community can be done with work and labor instead of money, Titus mentioned.
Organizers are hoping for good weather and a happy crowd at this years festivity.
Staff writer Kate Malott may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 422, or at kmalott@newtondailynews.com.