Mark Twain Beckons: Annual Frog Frolic Returns On Saturday
On Saturday, May 4th, the outdoor space in front of the Redding Community Center will be transformed into an all-day festival filled with live music, food trucks, games and crafts, including bounce houses and a bubble garden for the littlest ones. The venue is only 30 minutes north of Westport and is well worth the short ride.
The Annual Frog Frolic Festival, organized by and benefiting the Mark Twain Library, is in its 27th year as a mainstay that welcomes Spring to the community by creating a place where people of all ages can come together.
“I love that families can come and hang out, grab lunch at a variety of food trucks and jam out to music! All while their kids eat too much cotton candy and play games and crafts galore!” said Meghan Huszagh, who is chairing the event this year.
File Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Fan favorites from last year’s music line-up will be back, including the folk band Hitch and the Giddy Up and the Country/Americana group North County, plus original rock from the local high school student trio that make up VooDoo Dream. And, two new additions for this year are Moonrise Cartel and the Joel Barlow Acapella Group.
A variety of food trucks also returning from last year’s festival include sweet treats from All Belgium waffle truck, paella from Redding’s own Salas Foods, polish cuisine from Colossal Kielbasa, pizza from 900 Degrees Pizza Truck and food to please even picky eaters (hotdogs, tacos, burgers, breakfast sandwiches!) from Bethesda Grill Truck. In addition to food for purchase from the trucks, a concession stand and homemade cupcakes from the Redding Neighbors and Newcomers can be purchased as well as caffeinated drinks from Redding-based Quartertone Coffee and beer and hard seltzers at the beer tent.
The spirit behind the Frog Frolic is the much-loved short story by Twain, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, which introduced the world to the witty voice of Mark Twain. The first Frog Frolic was hatched to raise a few dollars for art supplies for children’s story times and eventually grew to an event that adds considerable revenue to the Library’s bottom line.
"The Frog Frolic Family Festival is special to the Mark Twain Library because it lets kids join in on the fundraising fun by doing what they do best - being kids,” added Mark Twain Library Director Erin Dummeyer. “And you may just see some adults getting in on the action as well."
Additional Frolic attractions include a robust Silent Auction open to any and all to bid online plus a demonstration from students taught by local karate master Sensei June, who has been a regular at this event over the years.
The Frolic takes place outside (rain or shine) from 10:00am to 4:00pm and in front of the Redding Community Center @ 37 Lonetown Road. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or a chair and stay all day as the entertainment is FREE and will be ongoing throughout the festival. Tickets are on sale on location to participate in the games and crafts and for food items from the concession stand. Food truck fare will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the Mark Twain Library.
File Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com