The City of Frankfort Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Harvey Couch, host of the Frankfort Plant Board’s Around 10. Harvey spends his days telling the stories of the people, places, and events that make Frankfort special, and today we’re turning the mic around on him.

In today’s episode, Sara sits down with John, the City of Frankfort’s Fleet Maintenance Supervisor. From fire trucks to snowplows to garbage trucks, John and his crew keep the vehicles that keep Frankfort running in top shape.

Host Ellie chats with Susie Hosley, Executive Director of Downtown Frankfort, Inc., about all the October happenings that bring the city to life, led by the wildly popular Witches Night Out. Learn how the event works, where to pick up passports, and the many downtown businesses, performances, and themed cocktails that make the night special.

The episode also explores the local legend of the Leestown Witch — the historical story behind the festival’s signature tradition — and how a marked passport can make someone the night’s honored witch. Plus, find details on related events like the Thriller Parade and Haunting on the Hill, free shuttles, and family-friendly activities across town.

Tune in for dates, times, and quick tips to join the fun, dress up, and experience Frankfort’s October spirit with community events, music, and surprises for all ages.

It's officially Spooky Season in Frankfort- a time when our city truly comes alive!

Also covered are city meetings and the special town hall Touch-A-Truck at East Frankfort Park (with a sensory hour and pickleball demo), roadwork and traffic updates, and where to find official schedules and alerts.

Host Alex sits down with Diane Strong, Executive Director of Bourbon on the Banks, to talk about how a Frankfort bourbon festival became one of the largest charitable events in our region. Since launching in 2019, the festival has grown into Frankfort's premier bourbon celebration, held each October along the Kentucky River at River View Park, the same river once used to float barrels downstream, tying the event directly to the city's distilling roots.

In this episode, Diane and Alex cover:

- The festival's history and why Frankfort, home to Buffalo Trace and generations of master distillers, calls itself the true "heart of bourbon."

- What a festival weekend looks like now, from the free downtown street party, Bourbon Street on Broadway, and pre-event tastings and mixology classes, to Saturday's main event with dozens of distilleries, live music, local art, and food.

- The volunteer effort behind the scenes, including how the festival lets volunteers direct part of their service hours as direct donations to the nonprofit of their choice.

- The festival's community impact and charitable mission, and why Diane sees bourbon as "a vehicle for real community change," including how proceeds have funded food security, housing, youth arts programs, animal welfare, and park improvements across Franklin County.

- Why Bourbon on the Banks stands apart from other bourbon festivals nationally by donating the majority of its net proceeds back into the local community.

On this episode of the City of Frankfort Podcast, host Kenton sits down with Frankfort Tourism Director Randy Newcomb to view the city through the eyes of visitors and remind locals what makes Frankfort special.

They cover downtown history and public art, the Kentucky State Capitol, bourbon and distilleries, outdoor highlights like Cove Spring and Josephine Sculpture Park, popular events and festivals, and upcoming projects including a conference center and riverfront revitalization.

Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or rediscovering your hometown, this episode is a quick guide to Frankfort’s food, culture, outdoor adventures, and why bourbon brings people in but everything else keeps them here.

On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, this special episode of the City of Frankfort podcast gathers firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel from Frankfort to share where they were that day, what they remember, and how those events shaped their work in public service.

We remember those who were lost and recognize the first responders who continue to answer the call — highlighting personal stories, changes in public safety, and the ongoing commitment to community preparedness.

Catch up on Frankfort’s September highlights: city commission and board meeting dates, Labor Day closures, and the Community Development Code open for public comment. Learn how to participate and where to find agendas and livestreams.

Plus community news on the Aquatic Center’s final weekend and upcoming lazy river construction, the Japan Festival on Broadway, St. Claire live nights, Broadway sewer phase two, progress on Fire Station 1, and links to stay connected with city updates.

Host Alex sits down with City Clerk Chermie Maxwell to explain what city ordinances are, how they’re created and enforced, and how residents can access and use the Code of Ordinances.

Chermie walks listeners through open records, the ordinance adoption process, where to find codified and non-codified laws online, how citizens can participate in meetings, and why understanding local laws matters for life in Frankfort.

Host Scott sits down with Matt Johnson and Rachel Moore of the Frankfort CARES Coalition to talk about the power of community collaboration—and how local organizations are working together to support Frankfort families when they need it most.

In this episode, learn how Frankfort CARES brings together more than 30 member organizations, the City of Frankfort, law enforcement, and local nonprofits to coordinate resources, respond to crises, and strengthen vital community services. Scott, Matt, and Rachel discuss the coalition’s work with grants and microgrants, as well as efforts supporting housing, food access, flood relief, and other critical needs.

You’ll also learn how the coalition is helping local nonprofits build sustainable solutions and how Frankfort residents can get involved through volunteering, donating, or simply staying connected.

Learn more, get involved, or find ways to support local organizations at frankfortcares.org or email [email protected].