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— Sunday, April 24, 2011 •

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Committee working toward $1 million endowment for scholarships &%34)6!, '5)$% s !02), -!9

By COURTNEY SPRADLIN LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

A

Toad Suck Daze is a downtown festival that does not only celebrate local flavor and culture – it provides Faulkner County students the opportunity to further their education.

Mary Margaret Satterfield, director of events for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, said that the festival and its organizers have given more than $1.2 million for scholarships and for the Toad Suck Daze Get Smart endowment.

Satterfield said that the group has a goal of $1 million for the endowment, which would provide scholarships for years to come.

“We are going to try out best to meet that goal,” she said.

“For over 30 years Toad

Suck Daze has provided a 35.$!9 !02),

fun, family-oriented festival while at the same time

providing scholarships for Faulkner County students.”

Satterfield said that final

scholarship winners were notified the week before the festival, slated for April 29, 30 and May 1.

Scholarships were given in the following amounts: Ten scholarships were given in the amount of $4,000. Two scholarships, at $1,500 were awarded, and $1,500 was designated to the Single Parent Scholarship fund.

In all, 13 students who plan to attend the University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College, University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, or Central Baptist College benefited from this year’s scholarships.

The committee designated $20,000 to its endowment for 2011.

Funds from festival proceeds and the sale of Toad Suck Daze merchandise help to provide the

sought-after scholarships.

Satterfield said the scholarships’ application process required 30 hours of community service and 10 hours of volunteer service to the festival.

“Through the application process, students were involved in community service.

They had to meet GPA requirements. They had to have three letters of recommendation and provide a log of their community service. They also wrote essays describing their service,” she said.

The Toad Suck Daze Get Smart Challenge was endowed in 2008 by the committee in the amount of $300,000 to the Community Foundation of Faulkner County. Combined with endowments at UCA, Hendrix and CBC, the number exceeded $500,000.

The committee designed $50,000 in festival funds to the endowment in 2010.

Log Cabin iPhone app gives interactive guide to festival

By CANDIE BECK Log cabin staff writer

A

Since the launch of the Log Cabin’s iPhone application about a year ago, loyal customers have been able to keep up with the very latest news and information as they go about their day. The convenience of a hometown newspaper at the touch of a button has been a major draw for users as they browse for local news, check out the Spotted Galleries of photos from events held around town, search the classified section or get updated on the latest news and festival information regarding Toad Suck Daze. With new material being added to the Toad Suck Daze content, the app features a fresh look on a community tradition.

The Toad Suck Daze portion of the Log Cabin Democrat iPhone application contains all the information you need to not miss a thing at this year’s festival.

Event listings, locations

of vendors and Toad Bucks kiosks and photos and videos are among the sections in the app.

“There isn’t a more comprehensive and interactive guide to Toad Suck Daze than our iPhone application,” said Publisher Rick Fahr. “The app lets you keep up with everything going on, as it’s happening. This year we will have a group of staffers collecting images and video snippets as the festival unfolds.”

The best part, Fahr noted, is the special price for the app.

“Starting Sunday, we will lower the price of the app to just 99 cents.

This limited-time offer gives you full access to not only the Toad Suck Daze section but every bit of news and information provided by the Log Cabin staff,” he said. “Download your Log Cabin Democrat app now from the iTunes store. You don’t want to miss out.”

The initial app project was a collaboration involving marketing firm Clarovista, the Conway Chamber of Commerce and four exclusive sponsors — Caldwell Toyota, Centennial Bank, Conway Corp. and Conway Regional Medical Center. With

the help of all the project supporters, the app was launched just in time for the Toad Suck Daze festival in 2010.

In the past year, new features have been added and that, coupled with the reduced cost for the app, which is just in time for

the premier annual festival in Faulkner County, is more than enough reason for iPhone users to stay connected with events as they happen in the community.

The application is available through Apple’s iTunes app store.

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• Sunday, April 24, 2011—

Chairpersons enjoy sharing community they love

By CANDIE BECK Log Cabin staff writer

A

For Joy and Wayne Cox, being chosen as the chairpersons for the 2011 Toad Suck Daze festival is just an extension of their commitment to the community. Since moving to Conway more than 20 years ago, their efforts to be involved in the community are almost as vast as their admiration and love for the city itself. They may have moved to Conway for the school system but they have stayed because it is home.

“When we moved to Conway from Little Rock, we were interested in the great school system for our children,” Joy said.

“However, we have stayed here because Wayne and I fell in love with the community. Conway is a wonderful place to live and we feel blessed to be a part of the community through our volunteer work and especially with Toad Suck Daze.”

While Wayne has been a volunteer with the festival, having served on the publicity committee since coming to Conway, Joy is a recent recruit.

“I started out helping with the Toad Market and by the next year I was in charge of it,” she said.

“I’m not sure how that happened but I’ve been having a good time with it and I’m happy to be involved.”

While most of the volunteer work Joy participates in is with the couple’s church, Second Baptist, she has also volunteered at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Little Rock. Wayne has served on many boards and committees in the community including being a former board member of the Conway Chamber of Commerce, a former chairman of the planning commission, a current member of the Conway Regional Medical Center’s advisory board and a current member of the Vision 20/20 campaign at Central Baptist College.

The couple have two daughters, Sarah, who is

married to John Luyet, and Kathryn Cox. They also have two grandchildren, Jake and Luke Luyet.

In their capacity as festival chairpersons, the couple feels it is an added bonus that they get to share the city with the tens of thousands of people who come to take in the events held over the course of festival.

“Both Wayne and I feel like it has been an honor to have been asked to be the chairpersons for this year’s event,” she said.

“It is nice to be asked to share information about the festival with people and we encourage everyone that wants to, to get involved with the planning of next year’s event.

You really get to choose your level of involvement and no matter what level that is, you won’t regret a single minute of it.

“Wayne and I haven’t.”

For the people attending the festival, the couple has a simple message, “just enjoy yourselves.”

Joy and Wayne Cox, chairpersons for 2011 Toad Suck Daze, are pictured with their family.

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Fry your taste buds with festival foods

By COURTNEY SPRADLIN LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

A

Fair food is not limited to corn dogs and nachos at Toad Suck Daze in downtown Conway. Though, those traditional staples will be there for you kids.

Five new vendors, some local, will bring more adventurous fare.

Concessions chairman Joe Crisafulli said that Barefoot Tea, featuring unique tea flavors like pomegranate and mint, will be available for the more health-conscious consumer.

Another concessioner, offering Chinese food, has made its way to the festival this year after spending time on a waiting list for space.

“Linda Chan’s out of northern Texas was here three years ago. They’ve been trying to get in again and we finally have the space,” Crisafulli said.

A new local vendor, Kona Ice, will have space at the festival near the Toadal Kids Zone, offering shaved ice from a hightech truck where kids of all ages

One of the many flavors of Wild Bill’s Old Fashion Soda is drawn for a customer at the 2010 festival.

have liberty to create their own flavor combinations.

B’s Treats, a Schaefer family of Mayflower franchise, will offer funnel fries, something Crisafulli called “fudge puppies,” fried pickles, sweet teas, nachos and chocolate-dipped chips.

A concessioner that Crisafulli and the rest of his committee are excited about is Fontenot’s Cajun Seafood.

He said that this vendor will offer shrimp, po’ boys, alligatoron-a-stick, seafood tacos, crab, and “something called Louisiana punch.”

Another new addition to the festival’s concessions will be a large Blue Bell vendor spot near the Simon Park stage.

Crisafulli said that a bulk of Blue Bell product line will be available from the event sponsors.

As always, a portion of vendor activity will be dedicated to Toad Suck Daze’s mission to provide area students with scholarships.

Crisafulli said that there will be 38 vendor stand at Toad Suck Daze 2011, and most are locals’ returning favorites.

“One of the exciting ones from last year was Wild Bill’s Old Fashioned Soda.

That was huge and he’ll be at the same spot on Front and Main streets. Of all the things we had last year, this was a huge seller. There are six or seven flavors of soda,” he said.

“Fried, fried and fried.

Just about everything fried.

There’s the traditional fried Twinkies, Snickers, Oreos.

There will be chocolate bananas, cheesecake, fried cheese cake.”

Also listed in food choices for this year are apple dumplings, chicken-on-a-stick, homemade candies, kettle corn, candied pecans, chocolate-covered strawberries, smoothies, roasted corn, shaved ice, ice cream, funnel cakes and hundreds of more items to choose from.

Toad Suck Daze 2011 Committee Chairman: Scott Thone Vice-Chairman: Marc Shock Treasurer: John Albritton Assistant Treasurer: Peggy Lea Paxton Secretary: Jackie Black Assistant Secretary: Stacie Edwards 2011 Honorary Co-Chairmen: Wayne and Joy Cox Toad Master: Brian Ratliff Concessions Chairman: Joe Crisafulli Drink Chairman: Carter Rook Entertainment Chairman: Lanette Rogers Golf Tournament Chairman: Jay McConnell Publicity Chairman: Jerry Rye Scholarship/VIP Chairman: Lacy Glover Merchandise Chairmen: Stacie Edwards Toad Buck Chairman: Rebecca McHughes Toad Dome Co-Chairmen: Chris and Jennifer Green Toadal Kids Zone Chairman: Peggy Lea Paxton Toad Market Chairman: Joy Cox Members: John Albritton, Chris Baker, Jackie Bennett, Jackie Black, Paula Bruner, Doug Coppock, Joy Cox, Wayne Cox, Joe Crisafulli, Brenda Curtis, Amanda Cutter, Mark Daniels, Chip DeBoard, Wes Dyson, Stacie Edwards, Missye Elder, Bobby French, Ericka French, Lacy Glover, Chris Green, Jennifer Green, Cory Imboden, Jill Imboden, Arthur Ingram, Paul Kerst, Aaron Knight, Valerie Lane, Jordan Lieblong, Lauren Loftin, Cindy Ludford, Sarah Luyet, Anne Mann, Rebecca McHughes, Robert McHughes, Jay McConnell, Chip Miller, Gelinda Mudgett, Kim Nash, Jackie Nicholson, James Paxton, Peggy Lea Paxton, Sherry Pelot, Mike Rhoades, Scotty Robinson, Lanette Rogers, Carter Rook, Angela Rye, Jerry Rye, Marc Shock, Lloyd Smith, Jeff Standridge, Jackie Strain-Mahar, Brad Tabor, Jimmy Warren and Jourdan Wood.

2012 Honorary Co-Chairmen: Jerry and Angela Rye 2010 Honorary Co-Chairmen: Bobby and Ericka French

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• Sunday, April 24, 2011—

— Sunday, April 24, 2011 •

To subscribe call (501) 329-2927 • Log Cabin Democrat Contestants prepare for the race. Toad whispering and even kisses are said to be some of the techniques.

Many contestants use the blowing techinque to make their frogs speed to the finish line.

Toad racers known to try various techniques

BY DAVID MCCOLLUM LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

A

There will be toad whisperers at the Toad Dome this weekend.

Through the years, all kind of strategies have been employed for the signature event of Toad Suck Daze — the toad races, which will be contested throughout the weekend.

Whispering is one of them.

Veteran racers will tell you a little whisper in the ear (or what one thinks is the ear) can really get a toad hopping.

Others insist you need to clap because the capable racing toad likes applause.

Others have claimed that if one blows on its back, a toad will grant your every command.

Some say yelling works the best, just like mom does when she wants you to clean the room.

Others say a heavy-handed ploy is the best — a strong slap behind the toad. The problem with that is that if

the toad suddenly changes directions and heads backwards, it could get messy.

You’ll see all kinds of the best-laid plans — from the shy to the bold — at the races.

The VIT (Very Important Toad) competition attracts celebrities, politicians, community leaders and beauty queens from throughout the county and state. Some of the beauty queens have been rumored to kiss their toad hoping it will turn into a handsome prince.

There’s no record of that every happening. No matter the cuddling and coddling, the creatures seem to remain handsome amphibians.

There is an open division for anyone who wants to jump in.

The Jamie Bray Jump for Education has a stronger motive. Youngsters from elementary schools throughout the area will compete not only for glory but for a desktop computer for their teacher.

Of course, the Very Important Toad part of the races are the toads. About 300 are needed throughout the weekend on the catch-race-release system.

So, if you see folks this week turning over rocks and scurrying about in damp areas this week, you’ll know the search is on for the highest quality racing toad that this county can offer.

A variety of methods, including hopping, can be used to encourage the toads.

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• Sunday, April 24, 2011—

Kids aren’t likely to remain sedentary during an outing to the Kids Zone or other parts for Toad Suck Daze. CABIN FILE PHOTOS

Toadal Kids Zone draws the little ones Kids in the know will head for the Toadal Kids Zone 2011 on the lawn of the Faulkner County Courthouse during Toad Suck Daze.

There will be clowns, magicians and balloon artists, for sure, and — always a popular spot — a sand pile with treasures buried inside.

School choirs will sing, and dance and gymnastic groups will perform on two stages: the Kids’ Stage and the Courthouse Stage.

An area just for kids’ play will be set aside, and a petting zoo and pony rides will appeal to kids of all ages.

This year’s Toadal Kids Zone is sponsored by Chesapeake Energy.

Here’s a rundown of what will happen where and when.

Friday

Kids’ Stage: 3:45 p.m.: The Balloon Man; 4:15 p.m.: Children’s Pet Show.

Courthouse stage: 5:15 and 6:15 p.m., Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic “Fun in Reading Show”

Saturday

Kids’ Stage: 10:30 a.m. Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic “Fun in Reading Show” 11 a.m.: Greenbrier Eastside Sports Stackers 11:30 a.m.: Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic “Fun in Reading Show” Noon: Greenbrier Eastside Baton Twirlers

12:30 p.m.: Central Arkansas Baton Twirlers 1 p.m. Little Rock Zoo “Warm and Fuzzy Mammals Show: 1:30 p.m. Sonshine Academy Gym and Cheer Force All Stars 2 p.m.: Little Rock Zoo “Reptiles Rock Show” 2:30 p.m.: Checkers the Clown 4 p.m., The Balloon Man 4:15 p.m.: Sand Box Dig sponsored by CenterPoint Entergy.

5:15 p.m.: Central Arkansas Cheer All-Stars Courthouse stage: 10:30 a.m.: The Ida Burns Scat Cats Choir 11 a.m.: Mustang Singers of Julia Lee Moore 11:30 a.m.: Pride of Woodrow Cummins Choir Noon: Vilonia Primary Melodies 12:30 p.m.: Showstoppers of Greenbrier Westside 1 p.m.: Ruth Doyle Intermediate Choir 1:30 p.m.: Checkers the Clown 2 p.m. The Balloon Man

2:30 p.m. Sonshine Academy Dancers 3 p.m. Radio Disney Rockin’ Road Show 4:15 p.m.: Brian and Terry Kinder: Kindersongs 5:15 p.m. Sand Box Dig

Sunday

Kids’ Stage: 1:30 p.m.: The Balloon Man 2 p.m.: Checkers the Clown 2:30 p.m.: Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic “Fun in Reading Show” 3 p.m. The Balloon Man Courthouse stage: 12:30 p.m.: UCA Community School of Music Guitar Studio 1:30 p.m.: Mayflower Golden Eagles Choir 2 p.m.: Mount Gale Youth Choir 3 p.m.: Central Arkansas Children’s Choir 3:30 p.m.: Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic “Fun in Reading Show”

Music will be a large part of the weekend entertainment. CABIN FILE PHOTO

CMYK

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• Sunday, April 24, 2011—

Toad Procurement set to take place April 26 More than 200 toads will be “borrowed” from Mother Nature for Toad Suck Daze activities.

Though some toads are inevitably lost in the games, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce promotes their gentle handling.

An annual Toad Procurement is set to take place near dusk on Tuesday, April 26, at the Tucker Creek Walking Trail.

Any who wish to take part may attend, Mary Margaret Satterfield, director of events for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, said.

Depending on the night’s numbers, the Chamber may initiate “Toad Con.”

Many children gather for the Toad Procurement to capture toads for the festival. This event is held each year to provide the festival with enough toads for events. CABIN FILE PHOTO

Satterfield said that when the Toad Con status is announced, it is up to the individual to have a direct impact on the success of the downtown festival.

The Toad Con rating will be released from the Chamber of Commerce on Oak Street Wednesday, the morning after the Toad Procurement.

Toads will be kept in “toad condos” at the Chamber until festival toad races begin.

Those wishing to help in toad gathering may bring gently handled toads to the chamber during business hours until the festival begins Friday, April 29.

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Sports events keep things hopping at TSD

BY DAVID MCCOLLUM LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

A

Sports events at Toad Suck Daze requires a variety of skills for athletes and wannabes:

Running Since its inception, the spotlighted sports event has been the Toad Suck Daze 10K and 5K runs and Tadpole Trots for youngsters.

The 10 and 5K races, sponsored by the Conway Running Club and coordinated by the Conway Kiwanis Club and Regions Bank, are part of the Arkansas Road Runners Grand Prix series. It is annually one of the most popular races of its type in the state.

The races, held in memory of former running club member Randy Baker, will begin and end at Conway High’s John McConnell Stadium, and meander through Conway neighborhoods. The 10K and 5K, run

Contestants race to the finish line at the Tadpole Trot. This race has been one of the highlighted sports at Toad Suck Daze for youngsters. CABIN FILE PHOTO

concurrently, will begin at 8 a.m.

Saturday.

The Tadpole Trots are for youngsters, ages 4-12, at distances of 200, 400 and 800

meters.

“Biggest Loser” Rick de Roque to start Toad Suck Run Proceeds from the race will benefit a variety of local

charities: Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County, Community Connections, Faulkner County Day School, the Faulkner County Service Center of the

American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas, HAVEN (Help for Abuse Victims in Emergency Need) and Junior Auxiliary of Conway.

Over the years, the race has raised more than $244,000 for local charities.

Rick de Roque of Conway, a former top finisher on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” will be honorary chairman for the races and will speak during the awards presentation.

The Faulkner County school with the highest percentage of participants (based on enrollment) in the Tadpole Trot will win a traveling trophy and $200 for their physical education department. The 2010 winner was Conway Christian School.

Online registration is available at www.toadsuckrun. com until midnight Thursday.

Participants can also register in person at the Conway High School West Field House at John McConnell Stadium from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, April 29, or from

sports n 11

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sports

from

10

6:30-7:30 a.m. on the day of the race.

Entry fees for the 10K and 5K events are $20 for online registration through April 28 and $25 thereafter. The Tadpole Trot costs $5 without a T-shirt or $8 with a T-shirt. All entrants in the 10K and 5K events who register will receive a Toad Suck Daze Run T-shirt. Additional shirts can be purchased for $10 on the day of the race after 8 a.m. at the field house or at the Toad Store in Downtown Conway after the day of the race.

For more information, contact Kevin Wish, race committee member, at Regions Bank at 501-450-4786 or go online to www.toadsuckrun.com.

Chipping, putting The Toad Suck Daze Golf Tournament, a three-person scramble, will be Friday at Centennial Valley Golf and Athletic Club.

A full field of 60 teams is expected with five, 12-person flights.

Shotgun starts will be at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

• Sunday, April 24, 2011— 11

Further information can be obtained from Jay McConnell, 501-733-1552.

Pitching, catching, running The TSD Softball Tournament, a USSSA-sanctioned event, will be Friday through Sunday at the Don Owen Sports Complex.

The tournament be contested for men’s C, D and E teams and below and women’s D and below. Entry fee is $180 per team. The contact is Derek Cox, Derek.Cox@cityofconway.org.

Cycling The Tour de Toad bicycle event will have competition over a 33-mile course and a 46-mile course in Central Arkansas.

Sign-up for the race will be 6-8 a.m. Sunday, May 1, at the Conway High West campus.

The first 100 registered participants will receive a jersey bin.

Proceeds will go to the Faulkner County Literacy Council.

There is no rain date in case of bad weather.

The Tour de Toad bicycle event offers routes though central Arkansas beginning from Conway West High School.

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Writing contest links ice cream, toads

By COURTNEY SPRADLIN LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

CMYK

A

What do toads and ice cream have in common? If an area student is creative enough in linking the two, that student stands to win several prizes in connection with this year’s Toad Suck Daze.

The Blue Bell Ultimate Toad Suck Daze Experience is a writing contest, with participants from area schools.

Two winners will be announced April 27.

One winner will be celebrated on the Friday of the festival and the other on Saturday.

Contestants in kindergarten through fourth grade were asked to create a fiction piece of 50 words or less about toads and ice cream.

“We want kids to use their

imaginations,” said Mary Margaret Satterfield, director of events for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve had some that are about toads eating ice cream, some about kids eating ice cream while they race toads.

The challenge is to work the two in together.”

Each winner will receive free Blue Bell Ice Cream during the festival, $200 in Toad Bucks, Free Toad Suck Daze T-shirts for family members, access to a VIP rooftop, VIP seating at the headline entertainment concert, special toad racing and a Blue Bell Ice Cream party for their school classroom.

Satterfield said that entries were judged by an impartial and anonymous panel.

The contest opened on April 8, and entries will close April 25.

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• Sunday, April 24, 2011— 13

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Toad Market has a little bit of everything

Making a bracelet by hand, this vendor personalizes each bracelet he sells. Along with bracelet making there are more than 150 vendors with different products to buy.

A trip to the annual Toad Suck Daze festival would not be complete without stopping by the Toad Market to see what unique items the vendors have in their booths. This year’s selection promises to have something for everyone, according to market coordinator Joy Cox. “We have a little bit of everything,” she said. “We have vendors with candles, jewelry, bracelets and lanyards made out of parachute cord and a couple that takes pictures and forms them into letters to spell out a name that can be framed as a keepsake for a child or grandchild. With more than 150 vendors, the possibilities of what you will find is just never ending.”

Having been involved with the market for the past three years, Cox says she is encouraged by how excited the vendors are to come back to the festival every year.

“We have several people who have had a booth with us almost as long as the festival has been going on,” she said. “We also

have people that have been with us a long time and who can’t wait to come back to Conway.

“It is nice to be around people so excited to be part of the festival and it gives me an opportunity to meet new people as well. It is always a fun time.”

While some of the vendors will pack up their belongings and head home when the festival is over, there are some that won’t have far to travel. Cox says she has had a lot of local people contact her to reserve their booth space.

“It is always nice when community members take part in the festival in any capacity but having booths to share their arts and crafts with the rest of the community and those attending the festival is an added bonus,” Cox said. “We have Conway people supporting local artists, as well as those from out of town, it is a huge benefit to both groups.”

The Toad Market will be open all three days of the festival. For a complete list of vendors, visit www.toadsuck.org

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Pictured is one of many contestants last year who participated in the Crawl, Drag and Squirt competition. The competition consists of a timed obstacle course that requires many skills used by fireman.

Kids crawl, drag and squirt — just like firemen

BY DAVID MCCOLLUM LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

A

The Crawl, Drag, Squirt competition at Toad Suck Daze is a scaleddown version of what it is to be a fireman — a toadal fireman.

Youngsters, in age-graded competition, will go through a timed obstacle course that requires many of the skills used by fireman. Those included putting on a coat and pack, crawling through a confined space to resemble an attack, pulling a sled, smashing things with a rubber mallet and dragging a hose a prescribed distance, then shooting water at targets.

“We talk to kids at school and they see what we do; this gives the chance to do it,” said Brian Moix, who directs the event for the Conway Fire Department. “It shows them the mental and physical skills necessary to be a fireman and hopefully they learn something about fire safety.”

But there is even great benefit from the basics.

“It builds rapport with the community,” Moix said.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a store and a youngster will point to me and say something like, ‘I know him. He’s a fireman and he came to our school.’ This

further connects us with the community.”

The finals of the competition will be Saturday at a roped-off area on Front Street. Youngsters from each of the Conway elementary schools qualified during preliminary competition at their school. In addition, there will be an open qualification at 5 p.m. Friday at the Central Fire Station for youngsters in the county, state or anyone in town for the festival who wants to compete.

The age categories are: kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-4 with boy and girl divisions.

Moix said those who qualify must register and fill out the required forms beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday. Opening ceremonies will be at 11:30 p.m. with the finals competition beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Each youngster who makes the finals receives a medal.

Trophies will be awarded for the top three finishers in each division, A traveling trophy will awarded to the elementary school that accumulates the most points in the finals. The defending champion is Ellen Smith Elementary.

• Sunday, April 24, 2011— 15

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Rotary Club’s annual Pancake Breakfast Members of Conway Rotary Club will again don aprons and wield spatulas for the annual Pancake Breakfast on the Saturday morning of Toad Suck Daze.

After decades at St. Joseph Parish Hall, the event moves this year to the dining hall of Central Baptist College, the presenting sponsor.

Pancakes, toad sausages, coffee and juice will be served from 6:30 to 11:30 a.m.

More than 90 members of the club will participate in some facet of the event, with long-time members having moved up the pecking order to cook toad sausages.

Those with the most seniority will be greeting old friends at the door.

Proceeds from the breakfast go to scholarships for local students at UCA, Hendrix and Central Baptist College.

Rik Sowell is chairman of the event this years.

Sponsors, in addition to CBC, are: Diamond: Chesapeake Energy and Quid Pro Quo LLC: Gold: Conway Corp. Conway Regional Health System, Roller Funeral Homes and Leek and Associates, PLLC,

Steve Leek.

Silver: Arvest Bank, Karolyn Ziemer; Conway Precast, Joan and Greg Shofner; Dairy Queen, Jeanie Stroth; Independent Living Services, Jackie Fliss; Nabholz Construction, Clay Gordon; NBMC, Inc. General Contractors, Joe Nabholz; Pacific Southern LLC, Vance Strange; Pepsi Beverages Co., Tom Ludford; Regions Bank, Bliss Hicky; Rotary District 6170, Bill Simmons; Simmons First National Bank; Sowell Architects, Rik Sowell; UCA Foundation, Shelley Mehl; U.S. Compounding, Kristen Riddle.

Tickets will be sold at the door and by Conway Rotary Club members.

Conway Rotary Club meets at noon on Thursdays at Conway Country Club.

The club is sponsoring the inaugural Hippo Crafton Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, May 6, at the Greens at Nutters Chapel. For more information, contact Clay Gordon at 505-5206. All proceeds benefit PolioPlus, the Rotary International campaign to stamp out polio throughout the world.

22nd Annual Dinner aids Senior Center The 22nd Annual Toadsuck Sunday Dinner will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at the Conway Senior Citizens Center, 1620 Donaghey.

“These hours have proven to be convenient for individuals and family groups who stop by after church,” said Debra Robinson, director of the Faulkner County Senior Citizens Program. “Folks still have most of the afternoon available for other activities.”

This year the menu for the fundraising event includes chicken and dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, cheesecake and a choice of drinks (including a mysterious green beverage labeled “Toad Juice”). It will also feature kids meals, which includes a hot dog, potato chips,

cookie and drink. Prices will be $6 for adults, $4 for children 4 through 12. Children 3 and under will receive a free kids meal. Carry-out meals will be available.

This year in conjunction with the dinner, the senior center will have a bake sale and silent auction. “We will have baked goods made by some of the best cooks in town,” Robinson said. “Our silent auction will feature a variety of items that have been donated.”

Tickets are now on sale at the Conway Senior Center.

Tickets will also be sold at the door. All proceeds will benefit Senior Programs in Faulkner County. The Faulkner County Senior Citizens Program is a United Way Agency. Visit the website at http://fcseniors.noip.org.

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• Sunday, April 24, 2011— 17

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Contestants ready for ‘toadal’ attachment to a truck

BY DAVID MCCOLLUM LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

A

By far, the most grueling and long-range ribbeting competition of Toad Suck Daze is the Stuck on A Truck contest.

It requires total (and toadal) concentration, endurance and a little bit of luck.

It’s an event that usually goes well beyond the days of the festival.

Last year’s winner, 55-year-old Terry Odom (the oldest competitor in the field, won in 91 hours, 26 minutes attached to the truck. The record in the 10-year history of the

event is 99 hours.

The concept is simple. Competitors have to keep at least one hand on a truck at all times until the last person is standing to win a 2011 Ford F150 truck.

While the contestants receive short breaks at specified periods and are monitored by parademics, there are many stories through the years of the strain of the event taking its toll.

Last year’s runner-up, Candace Martin, wept for two hours from the stress of trying to stay awake for so long. She bolted from the truck and fell into a deep sleep.

Some contestants tell strange and funny stories.

Others become testy with some trash-talking.

Chuck Speer, the former Conway Christian football coach and athletic director who won in 2009, hallucinated (like several competitors) and imagined strange things and beings in the streets of Conway.

Officials and volunteers in conducting the contest, sponsored by Centennial Bank, try to keep things hopping with events and entertainment through all hours of the marathon, including reading the Log Cabin Democrat to competitors at 4 a.m., an activity once described by a competitor as torturous.

The competitors have different motives for their attempts at something some have labeled the “most toadally insane event at Toad Suck.”

Some even have goals of some fine prizes for the top finishers who fall short of winning the truck.

David Druey, event co-coordinator said in relating the history on the event’s website, “Everyone has a story on why they want to win the truck. Many do it for the challenge, some do it because they love contests, and some just need a vehicle. It’s also fun to watch when the contestants get tired and a little on the disoriented side from lack of sleep. I think folks around here are so competitive they enjoy any kind of challenge.”

Terry Odom (right) was already getting into the zone of the endurance competition of the Stuck on a Truck contest at the 2010 Toad Suck Daze.

He held on, literally, for 91 hours and 26 minutes to win the truck.

Several competitors are repeat competitors.

The competition begins at noon Thursday when participants put their hands on the truck for the duration.

Contestants slated for this year’s contest are: Daniel Graham, Arkadelphia; Christopher Davis, Conway; Kari Allen, Vilonia; Amanda Thatcher, Scotland; Chris Brynell, Cabot; Zakary Jones, Conway; Mo Skelton, Conway; Allin Crawford, Vilonia; Jordan Smith, Conway; Hollie Hollenbaugh, Greenbrier;

Amber Baggett, Conway; Clint Evans, Conway; Brendan Faulk, Lake Village; Cody White, Conway; Matt Maggio, Conway; Chris “Taco” Franco, Conway; Brian Roof, Hot Springs Village; Laura Eilers, Conway; Jon Price, Russellville; Ben McDonald, Conway; Anna Johnson, Conway; Dan Clark, Conway; Becky McCarty, Bigelow, John Lahmann, Conway; and Kathy Newton, Conway.

Alternates are Thomas Morris of Alexander and Christina Fraser of Vilonia.

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• Sunday, April 24, 2011— 19

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CMYK

Music, gaming meet in Guitar Hero contest

For the second year, Conway Corporation will be hosting a Guitar Hero contest at the Toadal Game Zone during Toad Suck Daze.

The event will be held at the company’s tent on the corner of Main and Parkway streets throughout the festival.

Crystal Kemp, manager of marketing and public relations for Conway Corp. says the company is excited to be bringing the contest back again this year and will be hosting several other features as well.

“We are excited about being at Toad Suck Daze again this year with this interactive gaming experience,” she said. “We’ll even have our digital cable karaoke set up for those who want to give it a try.”

In addition to the Guitar Hero contest and the karaoke, a Home Run Derby High Score contest will be set up for younger children in two age categories.

Contestants age 9 and under will be competing for a Nintendo DS gaming system, and the 10to-15-year-olds will be playing to win an iPod Touch. Second place in each age division will receive a $25 gift card.

The Guitar Hero contestants will compete on Saturday with the overall winner receiving a

42-inch high definition television, plus six months of HD cable service from Conway Corporation.

The runner-up will receive an iPad plus six months of premium Internet service. (Contestants must live in Conway Corporation service area to claim cable or Internet service prizes.)

Contestants in the tournament must be at least 16 years of age by April 30, 2011. If under 18, they must have parental consent to participate.

In addition to the tournament play, Kemp says there will also be stations set up for people not involved in the contest to come and play several gaming systems including Xbox, Wii and Play Station.

“We had a great turn out last year and we are excited to do it again,” she said.” “Even if people aren’t involved in the contests, they can certainly come and try out the gaming systems we will have set up. It will be a lot of fun and something the whole family can get involved with. Also, since it is all at no cost, we hope people not only come out to watch the contests but participate in the games as well.”

For more information, visit www.conwaycorp.com or call 501-450-6000.

The central character of Toad Suck Daze is, of course, the humble amphibian in a race for glory.

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• Sunday, April 24, 2011— 21

Conway’s own Kris Allen headlines festival

By COURTNEY SPRADLIN LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

A

Headlining entertainers at this year’s Toad Suck Daze are Kris Allen, Jerry Jeff Walker and Shawn McDonald.

Kris Allen, Conway native and winner of American Idol, will return for his first performance on the Kris Allen Stage at Simon Park on the Friday of the festival.

He will take the stage at 9:30 p.m.

Awakening Events’ Chris

Baker, promotions specialist, said that Saturday would have a “Texas country style,” as headliner Jerry Jeff Walker takes the stage at 9 p.m.

Opening for Walker will be his son, Django Walker, alternative country singer from Austin, Tex. Jerry Jeff Walker is best known for his song, “Mr. Bojangles,” as covered by artists Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan.

Baker said that Sunday would feature many Christian artists beginning at noon with

Kris Allen, Conway native and winner of American Idol, will return for his first performance on the Kris Allen Stage at Simon Park on the Friday of the festival.

“The Found.”

Headlining Sunday will be Shawn McDonald, Christian pop artist.

Also performing Sunday is the group, “Belair,” and the New Life Praise Band.

Saturday’s lineup includes Some Guy Named Robb, Ben Coulter, the Joe Pitts Band, Somebody’s Darling, and Wes Jeans.

Friday, the festival’s live entertainment will open with a singing of the National Anthem at 5:15

p.m., followed by a performance

by Ashley Sullivan, a performance by Adam Hambrick, the band “Riverbilly,” and Kris Allen.

Performances will close after Shawn McDonald’s concert at 4 p.m. Sunday.

SCHEDULE: Friday 5:15 p.m. National Anthem 5:30 p.m. Ashley Sullivan 6:45 p.m. Adam Hambrick 8 p.m. Riverbilly 9:30 p.m. Kris Allen

Saturday 11 a.m. Some Guy Named Robb 12:30 p.m. Ben Coulter 2 p.m. Joe Pitts Band 3:30 Somebody’s Darling 5 p.m. Wes Jeans 7 p.m. Django Walker 9 p.m. Jerry Jeff Walker Sunday 12:15 p.m. The Found 1:30 p.m. Belair 2:45 p.m. New Life Praise Band 4 p.m. Shawn McDonald

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Riverboats, ferries played big role in area history

BY BECKY HARRIS LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

A

French explorers and traders were the first non-natives to travel the Arkansas River.

They brought goods suitable for trading with native Indians for furs and skins.

They rode on bull-boats, made of buffalo hides stretched over a framework of tree limbs.

Then came hollowed-out logs, called pirogues; and flatboats and rafts.

Keelboats were designed for one-way use. After the trade was made, the keelboat was broken up for scrap.

Steamboats carried cargo and people up and down the Arkansas River beginning as early as 1822.

The first steamboat to travel north was the Eagle, loaded with supplies for Dwight Mission, an outpost near what is now Russellville.

The mission was founded to educate and convert native Americans. It was one of the first Protestant missions established west of the Mississippi.

“Steamboats could reach almost anywhere in the state with cargoes of factory goods and foodstuffs, along with emigrants and travelers, and then go downstream with cotton or subsistence staples,” wrote the late Guy W. Murphy in “Faulkner County: Its Land and People,”

There were suitable steamboat landings at Cadron, at Toad Suck on the Perry County side, and J.E. Little had a landing at Lollie for his personal use in shipping cotton, hay,

Boats such as this were used to carry cargo and people up and down the Arkansas River.

lumber and shingles.

While river traffic diminished after the Civil War because of the completion of the railroad, ferries were still required to cross the streams that could not be forded.

The Toad Suck crossing was served by a ferry from about 1820 until 1970 when the Kerr/McClellan Arkansas River Navigation System was completed.

The official name of the Arkansas River crossing on Highway 60 is Toad Suck Ferry Lock and Dam.

The name, it is claimed, comes from the name of a saloon on the Perry County side where boatmen sucked up so much hard liquor that they “swol up like toads.”

Another theory is that the saloon building, just a shack, really, was also used to store sugar cane, sorghum and molasses.

Toad Suck could be a corruption of the French: “Taudis Sucre,” meaning “sugar shack.”

Another suggestion is the corruption of tot sec, early dry, meaning the crossing dried up early in

the dry season.

There is a geographical feature called a “suck.”

When a river is high and the water level falls, leaving a pool on a flat shore separated from the river, that pool is called a suck.

There are a hundred or more “Suck” locations in the U.S. There’s Bear Suck in Oklahoma. Tennessee has Bee Suck, Bug Suck Lake and Mud Suck Creek.

There once was a Toadsuck, Texas, established long after Toad Suck, Ark.

But when the railroad went around those Texas pretenders, the community dried up.

Not one of these locations, however, has a threeday festival dedicated to and exalting the lowly toad.

Welcome to Toad Suck Daze. Have fun.

(Information for this article was gathered from “Faulkner County: Its Land and People,” a publication of the Faulkner County Historical Society, published in 1986; the Encyclopedia of Arkansas; and brainygeography.com)

Log Cabin Democrat • Find our online edition at www.thecabin.net

• Sunday, April 24, 2011— 23

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