Ask a Redding youngster about the upcoming 20th Annual Frog Frolic on Saturday, and you’re bound to get an enthusiastic response. “It’s cool!” said four-year-old Cooper Mars, whose absolute fondest memory of last year’s fair is ringing the bell on the fire truck.
The Frog Frolic, a major fundraiser for the Mark Twain Library and one Redding’s most anticipated springtime events for children and families, will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Center on Lonetown Road.
“Kids who have grown up attending the Frog Frolic say it was one of the highlights of their childhood years,” said Sandi O’Reilly, the event organizer. “From the bubble garden to the Cake Walk and from bouncy houses to face painting -- the Frolic has the feel of an old-fashioned country fair, and it’s truly a community effort with over 200 volunteers lending a hand.”
The Frolic is one of five annual fund-raisers for the Library, the town’s storied and famous cultural hub, founded by none other than Samuel Clemens himself. It will be a day of live entertainment, fun crafts, delicious food, a silent auction and so much more. Melissa Coppock, Martha Gaudio and Ronna Brier are looking forward to welcoming the array of volunteers who make the Frolic a grass roots effort.
Suzanne Romano and Deb Jones have raised the bar on crafts and this year, lava lamps, megaphones and beaded bugs will join fair favorites like sand art, flower pots and handprint poems.
“Dads take note: Mother’s Day is the following weekend, so get ahead with one or more of our customizable crafts that make an excellent gift, ” said Sue Romano, craft coordinator.
Game Alley is also a huge part of the event, and this year is no different. More than a dozen different games will be offered, including Hickory Dickory Dock, Treasure Hunt, Wheel of Fortune, Frolic Freeway, and more. Melisa Moreau has a tent full of toys for lucky Kiss A Frog winners. Even losing is sweeter with a chocolate kiss. Jeanine Herman has a new game at Game Alley. Try your luck at catching a prize at Something' Fishy.
Danielle Caldwell and Kate Schwartz are ready to greet our youngest fairgoers at Aunt Polly's Bubble Garden. Bubbles, coloring and unlimited play time await.
Don’t forget to bring rescued Mystery Frogs to the Book Sale tent to claim a prize. Kathryn Zimmerman and Kristy Veith are the ladies to know if you found a Mystery Frog hiding around town. Collect your prize at their Book Sale Tent. While you are there, check out the newest Frolic collectible t-shirt. Youth sizes feature the original Holly Keller illustrated frog. Adult sizes offer a more contemporary design.
Huckleberry the Frog, Mother Goose, Pocket Lady, Cat in the Hat, Cinderella, and a Princess can be spotted mingling with our guests. Joe Boneillo and Gosia Tedawes have organized lots of fun surprises with our storybook characters. “Prizes are age-appropriate and will please every participant,” said Jeanine Herman, games coordinator.
This year is the seventh annual Cake Walk, where bakers of all stripes compete to have their decorated cakes awarded first prize. The theme is Hop Into Spring, and cakes are accepted for an adult and a junior division. Cakes must be submitted by 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Redding Community Center. All cakes are awarded as prizes during the Cake Walk game. Deb Schultz and Megan Micola have organized a captivating Cake Walk tent. Stop by to see who won ribbons!
Entertainment crew Rochelle Williston, Leif Smith and Stephanie Oulton have organized an all-star Redding line up for the day! Talent from RES, JRMS, JBHS and everywhere in between will abound. Don't miss Sensei June and the kids from Park and Rec or the music of Ray from Jay and Ray Music.
Rochelle Williston, entertainment coordinator, said, “Seeing Redding’s children perform is a highlight for everyone in attendance. Whether you’re a parent or not, it is truly special to see the energy and enthusiasm that the children bring to the stage.”
The silent auction offers items that appeal to the full spectrum of attendees, with bidding beginning at 10 and closing at 3:30. Teresa Basile has gathered a fresh new array of silent auction donations. Something for everyone from gifts for Mother's Day to summer activities for children.
“No attendee will want to miss items that are perfect for the kids, like summer camp, museum passes, or riding to school in a police car, or the items that are special for the family, like lighting the town Christmas tree or a reserved parking space at RB&GC [Redding Easton Boys & Girls Club]. With Mother’s Day around the corner, you can score great items like spa gift certificates, jewelry, and brand-name handbags, and dads can bid on a new fire pit or a round of golf,” said Basile.
Caroline Hunter and Brenda Phelps will tantalize your taste buds with vegetarian chili and all your fair favorites at the Food Tent, which is open all day. Meadow Ridge Retirement Community will be hosting the popcorn tent while Redding Neighbors and Newcomers will wow the crowd with homemade cupcakes.
New Pond Farm will have tanks of amphibian friends on hand to see up close and learn more about.
“As we have seen the Redding community support and grow the Frog Frolic, we are enthusiastic that this year will be its best. This event is for the residents, and its proceeds support the town’s best cultural asset [Mark Twin Library], so everyone has a stake in its success, which is why it is so unique.” Ms. O’Reilly said.
More information may be found online at www.marktwainlibrary.org.
