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Conway says ‘goodbye’ to Toad Bucks By Jeanette Anderton Log Cabin Staff Writer
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n less than two weeks, the 35th Annual Toad Suck Daze festival, presented by Crain Buick GMC, will kick off in downtown Conway. This year’s Toad Suck Daze will feature a number of changes designed to make the festival “more convenient and more family friendly than ever” Conway Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Brad Lacy said. “A new concessions sponsor and new technology are allowing us to retire the Toad Bucks process,” Lacy said. “All of our vendors will be able to take cash and cards at their booth. And to celebrate the festival’s 35th birthday, the Cherokee Casino and Hotel-Roland ‘Concession Sweepstakes’ will reimburse every 35th
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attendee who turns in their eligible concessions receipt.” There is also a change to the festival’s entertainment footprint. The new Kum & Go Stage at Kings will host regional acts in a traditional live music venue late into the night. The McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage in Simon Park will once again be home to the festival’s headline entertainment. Friday night will feature award winning contemporary Christian artists Danny Gokey, Peter Furler (Newsboys co-founder), and Josh Wilson. Toad Suck Daze’s Saturday night concert will be headlined by the Grammy nominated husband and wife country duo Thompson Square. All shows are free admission. The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s Toad Suck Daze Committee also presented contributions to three local nonprofits at the Tuesday an-
nouncement. Arkansas Preschool Plus received a $35,000 contribution, the Conway Downtown Partnership received $20,000, and the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre received $5,000. The committee will also award $25,000 in scholarships to Faulkner County students during the festival. Conway Area Chamber Board Chairman Jay Myers said he hoped today’s contributions remind people of Toad Suck Daze’s mission. “Toad Suck Daze is really about having fun and giving back. By attending the festival everyone has the opportunity to join our sponsors, volunteers, and downtown businesses in supporting these worthy causes,” Myers said. Toad Suck Daze will take place April 29 through May 1 in downtown Conway. For more information, visit Facebook.com/ToadSuckDaze
About Toad Suck Daze SPECIAL TO THE LOG CABIN
S
ince 1982, the Toad Suck Daze Committee of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce has held a fun, family-oriented festival the first weekend in
May. This FREE-ADMISSION festival held on the streets of downtown Conway, Arkansas has something for the entire family: arts & crafts, ‘Toadal Kids Zone’, a carnival, local and national entertainment, food, rock wall, petting zoo, 5K/10K, golf tournament, magicians, and so much more! Toad Suck Daze is also home to ‘The World Championship Toad Races’. The festival is run almost exclusively by volunteers from Conway and Faulkner County, including the local police and fire departments. Proceeds of Toad Suck Daze have helped to raised more than $1.5 million in endowed or directly awarded scholarships. More than 302 Faulkner County students have received Toad Suck Daze Scholarships. Since 2012, Toad Suck Daze has awarded more than $100,000 to local early childhood education initiatives.
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The history of Toad Suck BY FRED PETRUCELLI
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hen John Ward and his colleagues realized what they had created, they were, in a word, amazed. What came out of their fertile brains was the concept of Toad Suck Daze, a celebration of tremendous potential, a money maker and a delicious slice of the good life. This was to bring the city of Conway out of the doldrums, said John Ward, the managing editor of the Log Cabin Democrat at the time. It was his thought to bring people into a spring day and have fun on the banks of the Arkansas River. And it did, to the amazement of members of the “Council of Toads” that had sparked the idea. Ward said in retrospect that “Working out a way to put it on the river took some doing, but we got it done and the idea of where to park vehicles was the real challenge until someone hit
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upon the idea of talking to the American Transportation Corporation about providing busses for shuttle service so that people could park at the high school and other places and be picked up via the busses. AmTran was super and the shuttle service may have meant the difference to success or failure because with hundreds and hundreds of people riding the busses the traffic was still awful around the river.” The best estimates had put the opening crowd for Toad Suck Daze at 5,000. The actual number was more than 25,000 that first year – April 30 to May 2, 1982. In effect, Toad Suck Daze has become one of, if not the best celebrations of its type in Arkansas “because we have fresh people coming on board to meet changing times,” John Ward said. Over the years Toad Suck Daze has accumulated thousands of dollars for education in the city. According to Brad Lacy, president of the Chamber of Commerce
and Mary Margaret Satterfield, the first event was a pie supper to raise money for the festival. Toad Suck Daze moved from the river to downtown Conway in 1990 because of flooding. It went back to the river in1991, and then in 1992 it moved permanently to downtown. Since the festival began, over $1.5 million has been donated to education initiatives. This includes scholarships to local colleges, scholarship endowments at the colleges and with the Community Foundation, donations to the Arkansas Preschool Plus, and donations to other scholarship programs. In addition to scholarship monies, the festival has donated $50,000 to downtown Conway, $26,000 to the parks and recreations departments for Simon Park updates, and $30,000 to special projects of the three colleges. All sorts of images of Toad Suck Daze are rampant. For example, a school teacher was horrified when one of her students came to class wearing a shirt that read
“Toad Suck”. She demanded that he return home to change shirts before returning to class. Such is the way it is with Toad Suck – amusing, curious, and bewildering. Today Toad Suck Daze has carved a niche in the psyche of Arkansas and the city of Conway, dishing up its happy and delicious fare – and fun – to hordes of visitors. The legend of the Toad Suck Ferry is mired in folktales and anecdotes that revealed the history of river crossings that spanned more than 250 years. It all started in the days of yore when travelers making their way across the Arkansas River at the Perry County line in skiffs and other conveyances were somewhat aghast at the sight of a stout Indian boatman and his Toad Suck appearance. The rotund fellow gave every indication that his propensity to alcoholic beverages to excess made him resemble a “fat toad” sucking booze from a bottle. “He looks like a fat toad suck”, one traveler was quoted as saying, and the remark was lasting. The Indian met that description languishing in front of a tavern
smoking a long, slender pipe and showing off his roly-poly torso. Otherwise he was occupied plying conveyances that carried travelers across the river. History of the taverns show that they were located at most boat landings and Toad Suck was no exception. It was located on the west side of the river in Perry County. The nondescript place was operated by two German brothers named Kirspol, who accommodated river travelers by offering them copious libations to “slack” their thirst. The earliest date documented for the river crossing is 1820. This was only one year after the establishment of Arkansas as a territory, as a sparsely settled place with 276 people. For many years the Toad Suck Ferry transported people, animals, and various types of vehicles across the river. During the days when the ferry was powered by diesels prior to the construction of the lock and dam, the time of the ferry crossing varied from five to seven minutes depending on how full the river was. One description of the Arkansas
River before the construction of the navigation system was comically said to be “6 inches deep and a half mile wide.” The fare charged for river crossing fluctuated with the economic times. One early record shows the toll charge for a man on foot was twenty-five cents – a man on horseback fifty cents – a man with a horse and buggy a dollar. The demise of the ferry did not mean the end of probably one of the most colorful and picturesque place names in the country, Toad Suck. Perpetuation of the name has been assured by Congress, thanks to the efforts of the Conway Chamber of Commerce and the Faulkner County Historical Society.
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Oak Street Galleria offers wide selection of apparel
LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT
Close to 150 vendors will fill downtown Conway this weekend as part of the Toad Suck Daze festivities, and one particular shopping area will host a select number of those vendors. The Oak Street Galleria, sponsored in 2016 by Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, is a festival project designed, as stated on the festival’s website, to “complement the merchants” downtown. Now in its second year at Toad Suck Daze, Oak Street Galleria has garnered the support of local downtown merchants. “One of our goals last year was to establish Oak Street as a retail destination during the festival,” said Brad Lacy, Conway Area Chamber CEO. “We had more merchants open than ever before and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We’re excited about creating those shopping habits for festival goers. The Galleria helps us do that.” The open-air shopping experience features high-quality merchandise from upscale boutiques and skilled artisans across the region. Jamie Gates, executive vice president of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, said the hope is that, by placing vendors in the heart of the downtown retail area, shoppers will then venture into brick-and-mortar stores to explore. “I think it’s an effort to draw the festival’s most serious shoppers into downtown’s most established retail area,” he said. “We’ve got some traditional brick-and-mortar stores [represented] and we’ve also got some products that you wouldn’t typically associate with Toad Suck crafters.” Vendors in the Galleria include high-end boutiques, fine art, uniquely crafted goods and a wide selection of apparel. The vendors were chosen by a jury that included members of the Toad Suck Daze Market committee, as well as downtown Conway merchants. The Galleria is made up of more than two dozen booths under a large tent, a high-density selection of some of the highest-end products available at Toad Suck Daze. Examples of merchandise include reclaimed furnishing, unique antiques, handmade sterling silver jewelry, original clothing by regionally famous brands and more. Other areas of Toad Suck Daze for shoppers include vendors along Locust, Main, Oak and Parkway streets. 8 TOAD SUCK DAZE / 2016
TOAD STORE HOURS 1321 Oak Street Conway, AR 72034 (501) 327-TOAD
Hours
Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m
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New venue, country duo highlight festival entertainment L
ive music fans at Toad Suck Daze will have new options in 2016. The Kum & Go Stage at Kings Live Music will host regional folk, funk, R&B, rock, and blues acts late into the night. Friday night, Tyler Kinchen and the Right Pieces will play an 11 p.m. show that brings south Louisiana R&B to downtown Conway. “The addition of a traditional live music venue is something we’re very excited about,” said Jamie Gates of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Kum & Go Stage meets our goal of outstanding live music that is regional and diverse. It also brings new audiences and new fun to the festival.” Local singer Tate Smith will open for Tyler Kinchen. Northwest Arkansas funk band Groovement headlines the Saturday night show at Kings. Saturday’s Kum & Go acts will also feature local folk act “The Whole Famn Damily” and Morrilton’s Akeem Kemp Band. The McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage in Simon Park will once again be home to the festival’s headline entertainment. Friday night will feature award-winning contemporary Christian artists Danny Gokey, Peter Furler (Newsboys co-founder and lead vocalist), and Josh Wilson. Toad Suck Daze’s Saturday night concert will be headlined by the Grammy-nominated Thompson Square. The husband and wife duo have won multiple Academy of Country Music and Country Music Awards. They are best known for their chart-topping single, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?” For information about show times and other musical acts, visit ToadSuck.org. All Toad Suck Daze concerts are free admission.
Thompson Square
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Danny Gokey
Peter Furler
Groovement Tyler Kinchen
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Entertainment Music Schedule Friday, April 29
•5:15 p.m. Kish Moody & The Holy Rock Revival on McDonald’s/ Crain Kia Main Stage •7:00 p.m. Josh Wilson on McDonald’s/ Crain Kia Main Stage •7:00 p.m. Tate Smith on Kum and Go Stage •8:00 p.m. Peter Furler; Newsboys Founder & Lead Vocalist on McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage •9:15 p.m. Danny Gokey on McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage •11:00 p.m. Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces on Kum and Go Stage
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Saturday, April 30
•10:00 a.m. Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield AETN Character Meet and Greet on McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage •12:00 p.m. Olivia Faye on McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage •1:30 p.m. Zac Dunlap Band on McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage •3:00 p.m. The Whole Famn Damily on Kum and Go Stage •3:00 p.m. Dixie Jade on McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage •4:30 p.m. Blane Howard on McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage •6:00 p.m. Taylor Dawn on McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage •7:10 p.m.
Jordan Davis on McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage •7:50 p.m. Courtney Cole on McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage •8:30 p.m. Josh Dorr on McDonald’s/ Crain Kia Main Stage •7:00 p.m. Akeem Kemp Band on Kum and Go Stage •9:15 p.m. Thompson Square on McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage •11:00 p.m. Groovement on Kum and Go Stage
Sunday, May 1
•11:00 a.m. Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield AETN Character Meet and Greet on McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage
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2016 Toad Market Oak Street Galleria
•J & S Cavender Creations: handmade bead jewelry w/ semi precious stones mounted in/with sterling silver. Handcrafted pottery • Southern Belle Originals: screen printed t-shirts, Southern Belle, The South and Bonafide Southern Brands • Hope Art: handmade paper beaded necklaces, bracelets, keychains and sock stuffed animals, fabric bags • Hammock Outfitter: hammocks, straps, backpacks, etc • Ozark Painted Feathers: real turkey feather hand painted with acrylics and framed, soaking stone coasters • Lawn-Master Outdoor Living: Pergolas • Tuff Shed: tuff shed • Yours Truly Kids: children’s consigned clothing and shoes, gift items
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• Home Depot Extras: Installed roofing, siding, windows, gutters, insulation • Fusions 42: totally handmade hurricane candle holders made from a wax/plastic polimers, they glow from within showing butterflies, grasses, florals, sea life and dragonflies
Parkway
•Sun Lizard: fashion sunglasses and accessories(hard/soft cases, visor clips, straps) humorous decal stickers for vehicle window display, night light up items, Toy Rack w/ balls, wooden snakes, plastic swords/wands, bubble machines, airsoft guns, crowns, wristbands •EZ Hang Chairs: Hanging chair swings and hammocks •Country Deep: t-shirts, hats, tank tops and southern apparel •Leatherworks: handcrafted by me – cowhide & buffalo hide wallets, cowhide leather belts, travel purses, leather craft demostrations all day
Oak Street Galleria vendors
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•Randi Bryant Ind. Scentsy Star Director: scentsy warmers, wax, clean, groom, laundry, scent circles, sentsy paks, scentsy buddies
•Ozark Mountain Dessert Coffee: Instant dessert coffee mixes(11 flavors) Beer bread mixes(5 flavors) Balsamic dipping oil(garlic flavor)
•The Swalty Kernel: pre packaged swalty kettlecorn: P18E
•DC Juntiqes: items made of rod iron, rocks and horseshoes. Items include trellis, baskets, topiaries, planters, armillaries, bottle trees. Creatures include birds,turtles, snails, fish, toads,caterpillars, horsehop art
•Moondance: sea salt scrub made from Dead Sea salt and 10 oils •Jordans Outdoor Fun: recycled plastic lawn furniture and cool wraps •The Scuba School: scuba t-shirts, beach decorations, dive lights, watches & cameras, dive computers. Pictures taken w/a mermaids $5.00 •Southern Chics LLC: southern chic t-shirts and backwoods tshirts •Origami Owl: Jewelry, lockets, charms, dangles, earrings, bracelets, watches, necklaces •Flags 4 Less LLC: flags and flag hardware 16 TOAD SUCK DAZE / 2016
•States of Mind Clothing: t-shirts – screenprinted •Shelly’s Smellies: hand poured palm wax candles & wax melts •Glitz & Glam Jewelry: earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bathing suit coverups, rings, sunglasses •Fantasy Faces: professional face painter •Mid-South RC: cell phone cases, accessories, remote control drones •One Day Studio: hand crafted jewelry w/ gold/silver plated
•Jamberry Nails: nail wraps, lacquer and gel enamel, hand care line(lotion,scrubs,soap) multivitamin for hair,skin,mails, application supplies for all products listed. (miniheater,LED lamp,application kit) •Damsel In Defense: sassy spray hiding place, alarms, concealed carry purses, R1FD wallets, auto safety kits, door alarms, safety signs, kuboten’s •Lonesome Mallard LLC: roll on perfumes, colognes, t-shirts, custom candles •Key West Island Wear LLC: ladies dyed dresses, tops, skirts and hobo bags •Southwest Discount: simple salsa, chili dips, BBQ rubs/seasonings, taco seasoning, silicone lids, no boil over lids, stretch lids, BBQ grill mats, zipstic bag closures, wine stoppers & stylus •Joe Bear Apparel/AJB Foundation, Rock City Outfitter t-shirts and tanks •Hands Unlimited: make and sell solid personalized life castings of the customers hands with bases •Henna Gypsy: henna tattoos •Whimsical Lights •Puppy Toes: Baby & childrens outfits
crescent beds, cultured pearls, czech glass beads, prayer/meditation crosses, misc beads, sulrovski crystals/pearls •Spice Exchange: handmade gourmet dip mixes, salsa mixes, cider mixes, oil dipper mixes •Young Living Essential Oils: young living essential oils, supplements, skin care products, diffusers •Harwell Boutique & Design: clothing, shoes, accessories, childrens clothing(smaller sizes)
Oak Street
•Juice Plus+: Juice plus+ nutritional products, juice plus+ capsulesm gummies, shakes, bars, tower gardens •Homegrown Arkansas: handparinted arkansas inspired apparel , t-shirts, onesies, hats, winter caps, beard oil •Britts Leather: handmade leather belts, buckles, wallets, holsters, drink holders, bracelets, key rings •Caricatures by Dorinda LLC: caricatures drawn live in black/ white or color
•Kirby Crafts: wood roses, decorative rose buds made of wood shavings & painted, animal marionettes constructed of yarn, wood & fabric
Locust Street
•M & R Concessions: engraved jewelry, rings, braceletts, keyrings, blackcord necklace, pet tags, body jewelry, stainless steel chains, religious items •Crooked Tree Graphics: professional face painting, professional henna tattoos •Real Time Pain Relief: natural rub on pain relief that works in minutes and last for hours •Linda’s Bowtique: Hairbows, headbands, bowties, aprons, girls aprons, nursing covers, maternity sash, girls infinity scarves, bandana skirts, bibs/burp cloths, carseats canopies, baby barefoot sandals, frig magnets, key fobs, neckcoolers •Cartoon of You: caricature drawings – 1 person @ $5, frames @ $4, 2 people @ $9. •Nana’s Needle: t-shirts & tote bags embroided with nick names for grandparents
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•Southern Drift Apparel: t-shirts, drift jersey, mugs, decals •M & K Creations: snap jewelry, braclets, rings, earrings, necklace, over 1000 snaps @ $2 each
Main Street
•ATL Wireless: cell phone accessories •Miss Sassy’s Bowtique: boutique bows, over the top boutique bows, bows for 18″dolls, keychain bows, cheer bows, flower headbands, bow holders •Ly Brand Signs Inc.: digital print art on canvas, digital print wedding phots on canvas, vinyl graphics-stickers, mirror art,custom order signs, custom lighted signs, t-shirts & hats •The Wind: handcrafted instruments, jewlery and native american flute music •Henna Tattoos: henna tattoos
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Toad Suck Daze kick off festival-food season Log Cabin Democrat
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s the unofficial start to festival season in the state, Toad Suck Daze gives central Arkansas residents their first taste of festival food since the state and county fairs ended in the fall. The first weekend of May signals the return of funnel cakes, fresh-squeezed lemonade, chocolate-covered frozen bananas, kettle corn, deep-fried cookie dough, jumbo corn dogs, and other food-on-a-stick and deep-fried favorites.
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Concessions Vendors List Log Cabin Democrat
Visit the Concessions Sweepstakes sponsor Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland during the festival to turn in your receipt from one of our concession vendors for your chance to win prizes. Every 35th receipt turned in is a winner!
2016 Concession Vendors •Beta Sigma Phi – Laureate Nu: Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas •Boyd’s Funnel Cakes Funnel Cakes with Toppings, Fried Oreos, Lemonade, Tea •Bridget’s Concessions: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, Chicken Pita Wrap, Funnel Cakes, Lemonade, Tea
•Springhill Concessions #1: Chicken on a Stick, Corndog, Lemonade, Tea •Springhill Concessions #2: Chicken on a Stick, Corndog, Lemonade, Tea •Conway Twilight Optimist Club: Kettle Corn, Kool-Aid •Cozy’s Concession: Jumbo Corndog, Cheddar Polish Corndog, Lemonade, Shaved Ice •Fried and Frozen: Tacos, Taco Salad, Chicken Flautas, Taquitos, Taco Nacho, Stuffed Taco Nacho, Chicken Wrap, Crunchy Frito Barito, burrito, Boneless Wings, Cheesy Bacon Fries, Ranch Bacon Fries, Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, Nacho, Frito Pie, Frostbite Taco, Sundae, Ice Cream, Donuts, Margarade, Pina Colade,
Strawberry Daquarde, El Loco, Lemonade •Kathy’s Kabana: Quesadillas, Fajitas, Walking Taco, Taco Salad, burrito, Taco, Philly Cheesesteak, Burger, Hot Dog, Shaved Ice, Choco. Dipped Cheesecake, Tea, Mexican Punch, Lemonade Shakeups, Cherry Limeade •Kona Ice: Shaved Ice •L & M Concessions (1): Root Beer, Cotton Candy, Candy Apples, Carmel Apples, Soft Serve Ice Cream •L & M Concessions (2): Turkey Legs, All Purpose Seasoning •L & M Concessions (3): Burgers, Polish Sausage, Cheeseburger on a Stick, Fries, Hot Dog, Chicken Strips, Nacho, Lemonade, Tea, Turkey Leg
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•Roxy’s Twisted Sandwiches: Twisted Sandwiches – Here Piggy Piggy, Who Dat, Twisted Cheeseburger, Cali Hipster, Chef Boy •Linda Chan’s Vendor: Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick, Egg Roll, Shrimp Fried Rice, Vegt. Lomien, Chicken Gyro, Lamb Gyro •Bayou Billy Sweet Dixie Tea: Sweet/ Unsweet Tea •Mountain Home Kettle Corn: Kettle Corn, Pork Skins •Original Corn Roast: Roasted Corn, Corn in a Cup, Apple Slices, Pickles, Tea, Lemonade
Tea, Lemonade, Fries •Rodeo Style Mud Bugs & More #2: Funnel Cakes with Toppings, Fried Twinkies, Fried Candy Bars, Fried Oreos, White Cheese Dip, Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake, Cotton Candy, Pickles, Ice Cream, Tea, Lemonade, Cherry Limeade •Rodeo Style Mud Bugs & More #2: Boiled Crawfish Dinner, Alligator on a Stick, Catfish Basket, Frog Leg Basket, Broiled Shrimp Basket, Fried Shrimp Basket, Chicken Strip Basket, Clam Strip Basket, Fried Crawfish Tail Basket, Fried Corn on the Cob, Fries, Salt and Vinegar Fries, Tea, Lemonade, Cherry Limeade
•Ozark Candies and Nuts: Kettle Corn, Roasted Nuts, Frozen Lemonade, Strawberry Smoothie
•Rolling on the Bayou: Fish Plate, Red Beans & Rice, Shrimp Plate, Shrimp on a Stick, Gator on a Stick, Onion Blossom, Boudin on a Stick, Loaded Cajun Fries, Jambalaya
•Patton Concessions: BBQ Sandwich, BBQ Nacho, BBQ Fries, Chicken Basket, Tea, Lemonade, Fries
•S & S Concessions: Funnel Cakes with Toppings, Corndogs, Nachos, Lemonade, Tea
•Patton Concessions: BBQ Sandwich, BBQ Nacho, BBQ Fries, Chicken Basket,
•Sissy’s Place: Gator on a Stick, Chicken on a Stick, Pork Chop on a Stick, Ba-
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con Wrapped Tator Tots on a Stick, Bacon Cheese Burger on a Stick, Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Pickles, Ribbon Fries, Fried Rolos, Fried Fudge Cake, Fried Cheesecake, Lemonade, Frozen Drinks, Tea, Bloomin Onion •Sweet Tea Kitchen & Coffee Spot Cookies, Butterbars, Wafflettes, Wafflewiches, Sausage on a Stick, Brats on a Stick, Cup of Broth, Beef Jerky, Dandelion Tea, Ganoderma Coffee •The Chill Factory: Slushes, Cotton Candy •The Church Alive: Grilled Cheeseburgers/Hamburgers, Toad Suck Succotash, Hot Dogs, Lemonade, Caramel Apples •W & M Concessions #1: Curly Taters, Cheese Sticks, Fried Pickles, Nachos, Popcorn Chicken, Hot Dog, Lemonade, Tea •W & M Concessions #2: Jumbo Corn Dog, Lemonade •Wild Bills Olde Fashion Soda: Root Beer
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Toad Suck Attractions Schedule TOAD DAZE PAGEANT SATURDAY, APRIL 23 | 10:00 AM
A partner event, the Toad Daze Pageant will be held at Hendrix College on April 26. For more information on the pageant email toadsuckdazepageant@yahoo.com.
TOAD ROUND-UP SPONSORED BY: ARKANSAS TRAVELER’S BASEBALL
TUESDAY, APRIL 26 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM Join the Arkansas Traveler’s Baseball Club and the Toad Suck Daze committee at Pompe Park on Prince (next to WalMart Neighborhood Market), as we round-up toads for the festival.
KIDS CRAWL, DRAG AND SQUIRT FRIDAY, APRIL 29 | 5:00 PM SATURDAY, APRIL 30 | 11:00 AM
Organized by the Conway Fire Department, elementaryaged kids have the opportunity to participate in an obstacle course that promotes fire safety. Friday preliminaries are held at the Central Fire Station located at the corner of Locust and Oak Streets. 24 TOAD SUCK DAZE / 2016
The finals, held on Saturday, will be located on Front Street. All participants must fill out a release form.
TOAD SUCK RUN 10K/5K AND TADPOLE TROT SATURDAY, APRIL 30 | 8:00 AM
The Toad Suck 10K was started by the Conway Kiwanis Club in 1982 and is a sanctioned event of Toad Suck Daze. In 1984, First National Bank (now Regions) began a race in memory of a fellow employee, Randy Baker, who died of cancer. The Randy Baker 8K was conducted for two years, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. In 1986, the Conway Kiwanis Club approached Regions Bank, and the two races were combined. Regions Bank has served as primary sponsor of the race ever since, and each year the Toad Suck Daze Run is held in memory of Randy Baker, with proceeds benefiting non-profit agencies in the Faulkner County community. Today, the Run includes both a 10K and a 5K Run/Walk, a Wheelchair event, a Tadpole Trot for children aged 4-12, and the 10K is a Grand Prix Series Event. To register for the Toad Run 10K/5K or Tadpole Trot visit www.toadsuckrun.com
AETN MEET THE CHARACTERS SATURDAY, APRIL 30 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM SUNDAY, MAY 1 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Toad Suck Daze is partnering with Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield and AETN to bring Daniel Tiger, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Nature Cat to the festival. Characters will be at the McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage.
MARDI DAZE PARADE SATURDAY, APRIL 30 | 10:00 AM
Kicking off Saturday, the Mardi Daze Parade is a walking parade through the festival grounds. It is open to all groups that would like to participate. Mardi Daze parade registration form.
TOUR DE TOAD AND IRON TOAD SATURDAY, APRIL 30 | 12:00 PM
The 9th Annual Tour de Toad takes off on Saturday, April 30, at 12:00 p.m. from the Conway High School Field House. (Check-in and registration starts at 11:00 am.) Cyclists can pick between a 25 mile and 46 mile route. Riders will receive a custom Camelbak water bottle and the first fifty registrants will be entered for a chance to win a free Tour de Toad Jersey. Also, this is our third year for the IRON Toad event, where we partner with the Kiwanis Toad Run in the morning. Registration for the run is separate. Those participants that complete any section of the Toad Run and Tour de Toad ride will receive a custom IRON Toad Medal! Updated information for Tour de Toad and Iron Toad is available on our Facebook page.
CONWAY CORP SCIENCE ZONE SATURDAY, APRIL 30 | ALL DAY
Discover the science behind Conway’s electric and water systems! Featuring hands-on science experiments all day long with special science presentations from the Conway Corp science team.
BE PRO BE PROUD SKILLS TRAINING SIMULATOR, SPONSORED BY SMC PACKAGING GROUP/WONDER STATE BOX DIVISION ALL WEEKEND
Test your job skills at the BE PRO BE PROUD Skills Training simulator. The unit includes a welding simulator, CNC simulator, diesel tech simulator, plumbing/pipe fitting content, and a hand/eye coordination game.
CHEROKEE CONCESSIONS SWEEPSTAKES ALL WEEKEND
To celebrate the festival’s 35th anniversary, the Cherokee Casino and Hotel Roland is sponsoring a Concessions Sweepstakes! Every 35th attendee who turns in their eligible concessions receipt at the Cherokee Casino booth will be reimbursed. Other prizes will also be given away. Make sure 26 TOAD SUCK DAZE / 2016
when you get your food on a stick to get your receipt!
CONWAY REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM/SMITH FORD TOADAL KIDS ZONE ALL WEEKEND
With two children’s entertainment stages, a sandbox, pony rides, a free play area, and children’s midway kids will love the Conway Regional Health System/Smith Ford Toadal Kids Zone. Several large shade trees give parents a nice place to rest while their kids stay entertained. For more information check the schedule.
WALMART TOAD DOME ALL WEEKEND
Hop on over and join the Toad Master for the World Famous Toad Races. For more information on the Walmart Toad Dome check their schedule.
CALDWELL TOYOTA MIDWAY AND CHILDREN’S MIDWAY ALL WEEKEND
Enjoy rides, games, and carnival food in the Midway. This year the Caldwell Toyota Midway will be separated into two areas. The Kid’s Midway will be located at the Conway Regional Helath System/Smith Ford Toadal Kids Zone. Most rides take between 3 and 5 toad bucks.
MCDONALD’S/CRAIN KIA MAIN STAGE ALL WEEKEND
Enjoy live music from local, regional, and national artists throughout the festival. All concerts and activities are free and seating is general admission. Festival attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating. Check the entertainment schedule for more information.
KUM & GO STAGE AT KING’S LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
Enjoy live music from regional acts on the Kum & Go stage at King’s Live music. Check out the entertainment schedule for more information.
Toadal Kids Zone Schedule Friday, April 29 4:30 p.m.: Checkers the Clown Kids Stage 5:00 p.m.: Pet obedience class Kids Stage 5:30 p.m.: Pet Show! Kids Stage 6:30 p.m.: Katie Sunshine workshop Kids Stage
2:00 p.m.: Duck Calling Contest by Echo calls Kids Stage 2:30 p.m.: Toady Prize Dig Sand Box
3:30 p.m.: Lego League Kids Stage
7:00 p.m.: Tommy Terrific Kids Stage
4:30 p.m.: Balloon ManFrozen Preshow Courthouse Stage
Greenbrier
10:45 a.m.: Balloon Man Kids Stage 11:00 a.m.: Painting with Ms. Lori Kids Stage 11:45 a.m.: Katie Sunshine workshop Kids Stage 12:15 p.m.: Tommy Terrific and Kidz University book giveaway! Kids Stage
3:30 p.m.: Just Cause Courthouse Stage
3:00 p.m.: Sonshine Dancers Courthouse Stage
4:00 p.m.: Imperial Elite Cheer Kids Stage
10:15 a.m.: stackers Kids Stage
2:00 p.m.: Toady Prize Dig Sand Box
3:00 p.m.: Tommy Terrific Kids Stage
6:00 p.m.: Conway Institute of Music Courthouse Stage
Saturday, April 30
2:00 p.m.: Checkers the Clown Kids Stage
5:00 p.m.: Anna and Elsa Frozen performance Courthouse Stage 5:45 p.m.: Anna and Elsa Photo session Courthouse Stage 6:00 p.m.: Conway Institute of Music Kids Stage
Sunday, May 1 1:00 p.m.: Teakwondo demonstration and Teenage Ninja Turtle! Kids Stage 1:00 p.m.: Children’s choir Courthouse Stage
1:00 p.m.: TOTS Basketball Kids Stage
1:30 p.m.: Teenage Ninja Turtle photo session Kid’s Stage
1:30 p.m.: Balloon Man Kids Stage
1:30 p.m.: Red Curtain presents…Jungle Book Courthouse Stage WWW.THECABIN.NET 27
Toad Suck 10K & Tadpole Trots By David McCollum LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT
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egistration has begun for the 33rd edition of the Toad Suck Daze 10K/5K and Tadpole Trots on Saturday, April 30. The race has raised more than $370,00 for local charities during the 32-year run. Charities that will benefit from this year’s races are the Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County, the UCA Main Stage Education Series, Community Connections, Conway High Athletic Department, Conway Junior High backpack program, HAVEN (Help for Abuse Victims in Emergency Need) and Conway Braves Field.The event includes a 10K Run, 5K Run, 5K fun walk and Tadpole Trot races. The school with the largest percentage of participants (based on enrollment) in the Tadpole Trot will be presented with a traveling trophy and $200 for its physical edu-
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cation department. Online registration ends at noon Friday, April 29. Online and mail registrants can pick up a racing packet, number and timing chip from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, and Friday, April 29, at The Sporty Runner in downtown Conway or the morning of the race at the field house at John McConnell Stadium. Participants must wear a race chip to get an official time. Participants registering after 7:30 a.m. on race day will not receive a timing chip and will not be timed. The Tadpole Trot starts on the Conway
High School track about 10 a.m. (after the 5K and 10K events) and includes age-graded races for children ages 4-12. Kids ages 4 through 8 will run a half lap, ages 9-10 will run one lap, and ages 1112 will run two laps (one-half mile). The first-, second- and third-place finishers in each Tadpole Trot receive trophies and all other entrants receive a ribbon. Entry fee for the 10K and 5K events is $25, which includes a technical shirt for those who pre-register. The Tadpole Trot registration is $10, which includes a cotton T-shirt. Free refreshments will be provided for all entrants.
Any additional shirts can be purchased on the day of the race after 8 a.m. at the field house. The Conway Kiwanis Club is the main organizer of the event, which is supported by the Conway Running Club and Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau. Major sponsors are TLC Pediatrics, AR Care, Academy Sports, Arkansas Eye Care Group, Arvest, Conway Corporation, Conway Regional Health System, Kohl’s, Nabholz Client Services, Regions, Smith Ford, The Sporty Runner and 501 LIFE.For more information or to register, visit toadsuckrun.com.
Tour de Toad rolls into 9th year LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT
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he ninth annual Tour de Toad bike ride will take off on Saturday, April 30, at noon at Conway High School’s West fieldhouse. An official event of Toad Suck Daze, Tour de Toad raises funds to increase adult literacy in Faulkner County, while encouraging a healthy lifestyle and cycling. The ride begins at the field house and continues along a 25-mile or 46-mile route. The routes are generally flat with a few rolling hills, perfect for all levels of cyclists. SAG support and rest stops are
provided. Snacks will be served at the finish-line celebration with Iron Toad awards. Registration on April 30 begins at 11 a.m. Register online and view race routes at www.active.com/conwayar/cycling/races/tour-de-toad-and-irontoad-2016. This is the third year for the Iron Toad event, in which Literacy Action partners with Kiwanis Club of Conway to award those who complete the Toad race and the Tour de Toad ride the same day with a custom medal. All proceeds from the ride support Literacy Action for Central Arkansas. All registrants that are 18 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Updated information is available on the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ TourdeToad Literacy Action has worked since 1986 to teach literacy skills to struggling readers in the central Arkansas area. In the last 12 months, Literacy Action served more than 500 adult students delivering more than 7,000 hours of individualized instruction. “We believe in acknowledging and advocating for the important role adults play in fostering their children’s basic literacy skills and attitudes toward learning. Parents are often children’s first and most influential teachers,” a release on the race website reads.
Toad Races Schedule LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT
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he World Championship Toad Races are set to draw some of the most enthusiastic competitors and throngs of onlookers for the 35th Toad Suck Daze. Join the Toad Master for the Toady Woady at the Walmart Toad Dome. As the home of the World Famous Toad Races, the Walmart Toad Dome is always hopping with excitement. Toads (and their trainers) will be competing all weekend for the title of “World’s
Fastest Toad.” The racing course, informally known as “Croaklawn”, runs for a grueling .02 furlongs— a little over 10 feet. The World Championship Toad Races are an “open” event-- meaning that participation is open to anyone who shows up willing to race. Racers are encouraged to bring (and name) their own toad. However, there will be a “stable” of toads available for the public to race.
Open Racing Schedule
Friday, April 29 – 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30 – 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 1 – 1:30 p.m.
Special Racing Events
Friday, April 29 – 5 p.m. Very Important Toad Races Saturday, April 30, 10:00 a.m. Tricycle Race Saturday, April 30, 10:30 a.m. Baby Crawl Saturday, April 30 – 11 a.m. Very Important Toad Races 2 p.m. Jump for Education Races Sunday, May 1 – 3 p.m. Championship Toad Race WWW.THECABIN.NET 29
Crawl, Drag and Squirt brings fiery competition By David McCollum LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
Y
oungsters will get a semi-toadal taste of the life of a firefighter, including getting wet, during the Crawl, Drag and Squirt competition, organized by the Conway Fire Department, at Toad Suck Daze. The age-graded competition, with separate divisions for boys and girls and grades 1-2 and 3-4, is a timed obstacle course that emphasizes various skills used for firefighters. The real fun part? There are rubber malletts and hoses involved.
In negotiating the course, youngsters put on a coat and pack, crawl through a confined space, pull a sled, smash objects
with a rubber mallett, then drag a hose a short distance and squirt at a target. During the competition, they learn about fire safety. The competition gets hopping a few days before Toad Suck Daze as youngsters qualify through their elementary school. Another preliminary competition will be at 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the Central Fire Station. Finals will begin at 11 a.m. April 30 along a roped-off section of Front Street. Each finalist receives a medal and trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division. A traveling trophy is awarded to the elementary school that accumulates the most points in the finals.
Toad Suck Daze scholarship recipients announced LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT
The purpose of the Toad Suck Daze Community Scholarship is to en-
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courage community service among Faulkner County youth and to provide an opportunity for educational and community growth. Students who plan to attend Central Baptist College, Hendrix College, or the University of Central Arkansas will recieve a $3,000 scholarship, and students who plan to attend UACCM will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Congratulations to the 2016 scholarship recipients: • Mackenzie Crocker is a senior at Greenbrier High School and will attend Central Baptist College. • Justin Woodrome is a senior at
Greenbrier High School and will attend the University of Central Arkansas. • Alexandria Hillman is a senior at Vilonia High School and will attend Central Baptist College • Ben Benton is a senior at Greenbrier High School and will attend Hendrix College. • Faith Burroughs is a senior at Vilonia High School and will attend University of Central Arkansas. • Treslyn Fletcher is a senior at Greenbrier High School and will attend the University of Central Arkansas. • Carissa Ansel is a senior at Conway High School and will attend the University of Central Arkansas. • Jessica Borden is a senior at Vilonia High School and will attend Central Baptist College. • Landon Castle is a senior at Vilonia High School and will attend the University of Central Arkansas.
Safety Tips CAN I BRING MY PET TO THE FESTIVAL?
No, pets are not allowed on festival grounds as stated in Conway City Ordinance #0-00-50. This ordinance is for the safety of festival attendees and their pets, as the festival grounds can become congested in areas. Service animals are allowed.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET SEPARATED FROM MY CHILDREN?
There is a Lost Children’s area located in the Centennial Bank parking lot at Toad Square – the corner of Front and Oak Streets. Police are available at that location to assist children and parents. All children found by Toad Suck Daze staff members will be brought to this location. Any parent or child can approach a festival staff member for help.
WHERE CAN I PARK AT THE FESTIVAL?
There is no designated parking for the festival. However, several businesses do allow the use of their parking lots. Please be aware of no-parking and towaway signs and obey all parking signs in the area.
nights, the headline entertainment usually begins around 9:00 p.m.
WHAT ARE THE FESTIVAL HOURS?
IS THERE A COST TO ATTEND?
The festival grounds are officially open on Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
HOW LATE DO THE VENDORS STAY OPEN?
Food vendors will stay open until the festival shuts down each night, at 11:00 p.m. Toad Market vendors will be open until at least 7:00 p.m. Some Toad Market vendors may stay open as late at 11:00 p.m. On Sunday, all vendors will shut down at 5:00 p.m.
WHAT TIME DO THE CONCERTS BEGIN?
Entertainment will take place on the McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage and the Kum & Go Stage at Kings throughout the day. On Friday and Saturday
Toad Suck Daze is a free-admission festival. There is no fee for entry or for entertainment.
IS SEATING AVAILABLE AT THE CONCERT?
Seating at the McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage is limited. There are a few seats available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.
ARE TOADS PROVIDED FOR THE TOAD RACES?
Yes, toads are provided for those who want to enter the Toad Races.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE TOADS AFTER THE TOAD RACES?
Toads are returned to Tucker Creek after the festival.
WHAT DO I DO IN THE CASE OF SEVERE WEATHER?
In the event of severe weather, there are several shelter locations throughout the festival. They are: The Faulkner County Courthouse, Central Fire Station, The Toad Store, Faulkner County District Court Building, City Hall, and the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. These locations are marked with a yellow flag at the festival and on the festival map.
WHERE DO THE PROCEEDS FROM TOAD SUCK DAZE GO?
Toad Suck Daze is an education-based festival. Proceeds from the festival support education initiatives and scholarships. Over the past 35 years, more than $1.5 million dollars has been donated to education initiatives. More recently, Toad Suck Daze supports pre-K education through a partnership with Arkansas Preschool Plus. WWW.THECABIN.NET 31
Conway Regional is
committed to your health! Check out Conway Regional’s new
tent located in the Toadal Kid Zone! Private areas for breastfeeding Diaper changing area Health information for moms
AND Stop by our sunscreen and sanitizer stations located at the Toad Dome and Main Stage!