Farmers Weekly Review

The Village of Frankfort is known for its unique events and activities, but it’ll be another 100 years before any of them will match “60423 Day.”

The June 4, 2023, celebration of Frankfort’s ZIP Code drew nearly unparalleled crowds to the Downtown Historic District’s Breidert Green, where thousands are not uncommon during the annual Fall Festival.

Parking spaces were hard to come by, and visitors were often shoulder to shoulder for a chance to participate in the once-in-a-lifetime event.

“Jam-packed” was the word most often used to describe the turnout.

“We do not have an estimate (on the number of people who attended),” said Mayor Keith Ogle. “There were events all day long. People would leave for a while and then come back. …

“Our Country Market (every Sunday) is very popular, but this was a much larger crowd as we had fun, family events and music all day long.

“I wanted to create an event that would celebrate our village, bring people together and unite and unify our community. It showcased what Frankfort is all about. I think that really resonated with people, and it showed in their joyful attitudes and miles of smiles.

“I want everyone to feel welcome here, and this gave us a chance to show off the town. The cheers from the crowd during the drone show as images of Frankfort appeared in the sky really touched me. More than one person told me afterward that they were crying – happy tears!”

Ogle noted that the event was the culmination of extensive planning and effort.

“I started talking with our community partners a year ago about this idea and asked how they envisioned participating,” he said. “I am so grateful in how they stepped up to make this such a special and memorable event.”

The day started with an early morning walk from Breidert Green to the post office, with the weekly Frankfort Country Market and a special performance by the popular Frankfort Brass Band on the stage.

At the same time, the day featured a community knot art project, a community scavenger hunt, lawn games, DJ and music, a balloon artist, an inflatable bounce house, face painting, animal viewing, comedy juggling and variety show on the stage, a stilt walker, bean bag tournaments, Braemar Dance Center on the stage, community photo, closing with a spectacular drone light show.

Navarro Farm hosted the animal viewing, as well as the face painting. Sherri Navarro said her volunteers were thrilled to participate.

“Our favorite part was meeting more people in our community,” she said. “Another was seeing happy faces on the kids being with our animals. We were able to include face painting, which is always a hit!

“We had many visitors at our display. We unfortunately had to cut the line off. It’s always sad to cut the lines when it’s time to leave. It was an honor to be able to participate in this event. It was neat to see all families gathering together on a special day in our community.

“We would like to thank the community for all the support! We hope to see everyone at our Battle at the Barn NWA Wrestling on June 17, and Country Cook-Out on July 8. Both events are not only for our special needs families, but for the entire community as well.”

Frankfort resident Rosina D’Avola was equally enthusiastic.

“I was there earlier in the day. I enjoyed that there were local businesses there that sponsored things to do for the kids. “Navarro farm had some animals so my girls loved that area!

“(The Frankfort Preservation Foundation) was selling shirts to raise money to repair our water tower, too, which I’m happy to see.

“It was busy during the farmers market then thinned out, then my husband brought back the kids for the drone show. He said Breidert Green was packed.”

In addition to the day-long activities during the event, the Frankfort Area Historical Society and the Village of Frankfort are creating a time capsule to be opened on June 4, 2123.

Items such as photos, programs and books are being accepted from families, civic groups, businesses, schools and churches through June 30.

Organizers said that only paper materials will be accepted. Donations can be dropped off at the historical museum, 132 Kansas St.