That is one version of how Toad Suck got its name. There are other possibilities, such as, it is a corruption of a French term. But the above story is the most popular. When my parents were growing up here, there was a ferry across the river called, of course, the Toad Suck Ferry. These days there is a large lock and dam there, and there are parks and camping spots on each side. A very pretty place actually.
The first weekend in May (which this year starts at the end of April) is our big festival. And yes, it is called Toad Suck Daze. In fact, this will be the 23rd Annual Toad Suck Daze. I personally do not think it would be nearly so successful if it had a boring, anytown kind of name. "Toad Suck Daze is one of Arkansas' largest and most popular music, arts and food festivals, held at Downtown in Conway, Arkansas." There are concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, arts and crafts booths, every sort of food-on-a-stick that you could want, and the ever popular toad races. We even have Toad Queens. (These are not beauty contest winners, they are our version of Sweet Potato Queens.)
This is a great weekend to be in Conway. I invite everyone to come visit and check it out. It will be fun, I promise. And don't forget to buy a t-shirt! We bought our t-shirts early this year and we plan to wear them proudly when we go to Disneyworld in June. Seriously.
3 comments:
Ok I was thinking that would be a cool t-shirt. I know I know...along withthe birthday pictures, I can come get them myself. Feeling better. Rhett says I sound like "daddy voice". Ahh spring!
My sister went to Harding in White County which is also dry. All of the college students drove to the next county over to get their alcohol. Every time school would resume after summer, christmas, etc, the liquor store nearest the county line put up the sign, "Welcome back, Harding students!"
I too live in a dry county. Ironically we have a German heritage so every fall we celebrate Octoberfest, without the beer!!!
But that don't hold a candle to Toad Suck Daze....
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