Sparkling Success luncheon, State of the City, and spring events highlight busy season for Frankfort. Community Development Director Kimberly Black was guest on today’s WILO/Boone 102.7 FM Party Line talk show with Cindy and Melissa. Several topics predicted a busy spring and summer for the City of Frankfort.
Leadership luncheon Thursday features longtime State Fair executive
Frankfort’s “Sparkling Success” women’s leadership series returns Thursday with a luncheon featuring longtime Indiana State Fairgrounds leader Cindy Hoye as keynote speaker.
Community Development Director Kimberly Black said there is still time to reserve seats, purchase $25 tickets or sign on as an event sponsor. “We have four of these this year, so excited to have the first one on Thursday,” Black said, noting this installment falls on a Thursday rather than the usual Wednesday because of the calendar.
Hoye, who has led the Indiana State Fairgrounds for many years, will share her leadership journey and perspective. “She’s been through the good, bad, the ugly, and in between,” Black said. “She’s one of those people that…has always been able to embrace what people love as far as the nostalgic side of things but also be able to bring that into the future.”
Black said the series is designed to bring outside leadership experience home to Frankfort and Clinton County. “The biggest idea of this whole format was bringing leadership to Clinton County, bringing leadership to the City of Frankfort, and how we can be better leaders in our community,” she said.
50/50 sidewalks, downtown flowers out for bid
Black said the city has opened its first-quarter bid cycle, including concrete work tied to Frankfort’s long‑running 50/50 sidewalk repair program. Contractors interested in bidding on sidewalk projects are encouraged to contact the city.
Under the 50/50 program, property owners typically apply in the second quarter after bids are awarded, with the city paying 50 percent of the sidewalk or curb improvement cost and the owner paying the other half. “The application will go out once we award the bid,” Black said, adding that Building Services helps ensure corners are ADA compliant.
The city is also seeking a contractor to water more than 50 large flowerpots and over 100 hanging baskets downtown, a task that can take four to five hours a day in season. “It is more beneficial for us to bid that out and have a local contractor handle all of that for us,” Black said, noting the move both supports the local economy and helps keep downtown looking “a little elevated” for residents and visitors.
State of the City Address by Mayor Sheets set for March 31
Mayor Judy Sheets will deliver the 2026 State of the City address on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in Skanta Theatre at the Frankfort Community Public Library. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for the free public event. The State of the City address will be broadcast LIVE and Worldwide and available on demand at www.HoosierlandTV.com.
Black said returning to the theater will allow the city to use slides and visuals as Sheets reviews year‑end balances, financial studies and key accomplishments from 2025, as well as goals for 2026 and beyond. “The mayor will talk about the financials, the year‑end balances, where they are, and then…goals for ’26 and kind of future planning and what that looks like,” Black said.
Residents and business leaders are encouraged to attend to hear updates on major projects, infrastructure and future initiatives.
Easter egg hunt to fill TPA Park
Frankfort’s annual community Easter egg hunt returns to TPA Park on Saturday, March 28, with more than 10,000 eggs expected for children to collect. Black said Parks Superintendent Ellen and her staff are “working extremely hard, stuffing thousands of eggs” ahead of the late‑March event.
The free, family‑friendly day will include bounce houses and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Donations of monetary gifts, fun‑size candy, stickers or small trinkets are being accepted by the Parks Department to help fill eggs. Black said families are also asked to leave empty plastic eggs in collection totes after the event so they can be reused next year to keep costs down.
Summer concerts, July 4th and new businesses ahead
Looking ahead, Black said the city and its partners are finalizing the 2026 Prairie Creek Park summer concert lineup, with several artist contracts already approved and more pending Board of Works action. She said only one band from last year will return after drawing strong reviews at the July 4th festival.
With the nation’s 250th anniversary approaching, Black said city leaders are in discussions with Frankfort Main Street, the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, the Parks Department and county government about expanded Independence Day activities. She noted that groups nationwide are competing for similar attractions and entertainment. “I have to be a little more aggressive on, ‘Yes, this is what we’re doing,’ because everyone else across the United States is trying to get the same thing,” she said.
Black added that several entrepreneurs have recently reached out about opening new businesses downtown, a trend she often sees as weather warms. She encouraged residents to stay informed and engaged. “Always make sure that you have downloaded our city app or are following us on social media,” she said. “There’s so much information that we try to put out…so always be informed and figure out a way to connect with your community and get involved.”