2012 Toad Suck Festival Guide

Page 1



Sunday, April 29, 2012 — 3T

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Jamey Johnson, En Vogue bring country, soul to Toad Suck stage

than any other female group in history. The group’s Grammyalbum “Funky Divas” nominated went triple platinum music star Jamey and featured the hits Johnson will bring “Free Your Mind,” his country act to “My Lovin’ (You’re the main stage at Never Gonna Get Toad Suck Daze this It)” and “Giving Him year. Johnson will Something He Can be joined by popular Feel.” They are also soul group En Vogue, widely known for country recording their collaboration artists Randy Houser with rap group Saltand Drake White, N-Pepa on “Whatta Christian pop singers Man.” Jonny Diaz and Todd The group in difAgnew. ferent forms have Johnson is the lat- appeared in several est in top-flight acts movies and television who have made their shows including “A way to the Toad Suck Different World” and stage. In addition to “Batman Forever.” his own music, John- Three of the origison is a songwriter, nal members remain who has penned with the group. songs for Trace AdRandy Houser kins, George Strait, is another country James Otto and Jesstar who has written sie James. songs for his musiJohnson’s most cal cohorts. Although recent album, he is best known for “The Guitar Song,” singing “Boots On” reached No. 1 on the and “Anything Goes,” U.S. Country chart he also co-wrote the and has been certihits “Honky Tonk Bafied gold. That was a donkadonk” for Trace follow-up to his plati- Adkins and “Back num album “That That Thing Up” for Lonesome Song,” Justin Moore. which featured the Houser’s most rehits “In Color” and cent album is “They “High Cost Of LivCall Me Cadillac,” ing.” Johnson’s other and he has been hits include “The nominated for five Dollar,” “My Way To Country Music AssoYou,” “Playing The ciation Awards. Part,” and “HeartDrake White is a ache.” singer and songwritEn Vogue enjoyed er residing in Nashits most success in ville, Tenn. The Alathe mid-1990s where bama native ad-libs they won more MTV throughout a show, Video Music Awards frequently involvBy RICHARD DUKE log cabin staff writer

Randy Houser

ing the audience. He credits many country, blues, rock, freestyle and bluegrass influences that forms his musical sound that is unique in its own way. Jonny Diaz has a song style that can be compared to Jason Mraz and John Mayer. Recording for the past nine years, Diaz released his major label album “More Beautiful You” in 2009, which featured the hit title track. He has appeared as an opening act for Steven Curtis Chapman and MercyMe among others. Todd Agnew, who has been recording since 1997, is widely

MUSIC < 4T

Jamey Johnson


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En Vogue’s Terry Ellis, Dawn Robinson and Maxine Jones perform at the 6th annual Jazz in the Gardens on March 20, 2011, in Miami Gardens. PHOTO BY JOHNNY NUNEZ / WIRE IMAGE

MUSIC from 3T “Amazing Grace” called “Grace Like Rain.” Agnew has released eight albums, the most

recent being “How To Be Loved” in 2012. Schedule Friday

5 p.m. Dueling Pianos from Kings of

Conway 6:15 p.m. SubUrban Legend 7:30 p.m. Kristen Nicole 9 p.m. En Vogue

Saturday

11:30 a.m. Cobb Brothers Band 1 p.m. Luke Williams 2:30 p.m. Gwendlyn Kay 4 p.m. Ryan Couron 5:30 p.m. Indian Rodeo 7 p.m. Drake White 8:15 p.m. Randy Houser 9:30 p.m. Jamey Johnson Sunday

Noon Chorale 1:15 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Diaz 4 p.m. Agnew

Judah belair. Jonny Todd


Sunday, April 29, 2012 — 5T

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Rounding up toads for races can be a challenge

Only true Arkansas toads are allowed to compete in the Annual World Championship Toad Races during Toad Suck Daze. So it’s a challenge for youngsters and accompanying grown ups to search creeks and streams after dark. You might spot the intrepid toad hunters, carrying flashlights and cardboard boxes, specially outfitted for keeping those special toads fit for the series of races that highlight the annual Toad Suck Daze races in the Toad Dome. Once gathered, the successful hunters drop off their toads at the

went out and Toad Con III was declared, the hunters were successful at rounding up enough

A participant hunting toads for last year’s races comes up toad-less. COURTNEY SPRADLIN PHOTO

Chamber of Commerce office during business hours where the toads are happily ensconced in Toad Condos. Information about bounties

paid will be forthcoming. Last year’s weather was not as conducive to toad hunting as in years past, but once the word

toads to keep the races going. A popular spot for successful toad procure-

ment is Tucker Creek Walking Trail, beginning where it intersects with Salem Road.


6T — Sunday, April 29, 2012

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Honorary co-chairs excited to share love of all things toad Rye consider being seThey have each lected as co-chairs for worked for Acxiom for the 2012 Toad Suck more than 15 years and Angela Daze festival an honor. call Conway home, and they both share an enthusiasm for the love of the toad. “Jerry went to school at UCA and he loved it and didn’t want to leave,” Angela Rye said. “I came here after I finished school to work for Acxiom.” They chose to raise their children, Alyssa, 9, and Jacob, 3, in Conway because of its family atmosphere and close-knit community. “I just love it here,” Angela Rye said. “It’s so close and really, it’s like a big family. Even though its grown so much over the last several years, you still feel like it’s a small little family community where everyone pitches in to help. If there is a need, people come running.”

By MEGAN REYNOLDS LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

Jerry

and

CO-CHAIRS < 7T

Jerry and Angela Rye and their children Alyssa and Jacob. SUBMITTED PHOTO


Sunday, April 29, 2012 — 7T

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New book analyzes history of Faulkner County Suck Daze, lovers of our Faulkner County. ten and published Hisarea have been blessed Dr. Roger Pauly of toric Faulkner County: with a new book dedi- the University of Cen- An Illustrated History. Since the last Toad cated to the history of tral Arkansas has writParticipating in the

By BECKY HARRIS LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

CO-CHAIRS from 6T

The family are active members at Central Baptist Church, where Jerry plays saxophone in the orchestra and they couple helps with the church’s Awana program. Jerry also graduated from the Faulkner County Leadership Institute and has also become active in the Faulkner County Youth Leadership Institute program. Between volunteerism and serving on various committees, Jerry has worked behind the scenes of Toad Suck Daze for ten years. Angela Rye said her husband called her after a meeting two years ago to let her know they had been asked to serve as co-chairs.

“We love Toad Suck Daze, so we were so excited to have the chance to host and promote the festivities,” she said. “It really was an honor.” Rye said her children have taken on an active hosting role as well. “They think they are the hosts and it is their job to get to invite everyone to come,” Rye said. The family will head the Mardi Daze parade Saturday morning alongside Toadmaster Brian Ratliff. For those attending the festival, Rye said, the message is that there really is something for everyone. “Bring the whole family and take part in all of it — take it all in. Just come and walk around and be a part of it,” she

said. “Stay for the whole day, make a weekend of it.” Members of the 2012 Toad Suck Daze Committee are: Chairman Marc Shock, Vice-Chairman Joe Crisafulli, Treasurer John Albritton, Secretary Stacie Edwards, Assistant Treasurer Carter Rook, Assistant Secretary Jackie StrainMahar; sub-committee chairmen Scott Thone (Concessions/Amusement), Carter Rook (Drinks), Lanette Rogers (Entertainment), Jay McConnell (Golf), Joe Crisafulli (Logistics), Brenda Curtis (Merchandising), Sherry Pelot (Toadal Kids Zone), Rebecca McHughes (Toad Bucks), Chris and Jennifer Green (Toad Dome), Joy Cox (Toad Market), Sarah Cook (VIP/Schol-

arship), Valerie Lane (Volunteers/Information); and Anne Mann, Brad Tabor, Chris Baker, Doug Coppock, Gelinda Mudgett, Jackie Bennett, Aaron Knight, Amanda Cutter, Arthur Ingram, Chip DeBoard, Chip Miller, Jordan Lieblong, Kim Nash, Paul Kerst, Sarah Luyet, Wes Dyson, Justin Bennett, Michelle McKown, Cindy Ludford, Robert McHughes, Scotty Robinson, Amanda Beene, Michael Fowler, Lisa Hall, Kim McClain, Johnny Rackley, Amy Reed, Amanda Williams, Jessica Zimmerman, Brett Barry, Amanda Bledsoe, Evelyne Dean, Kristy Grunwald, Tanya Malcolm, Jackie Rackley, Sharon Rietzke, Danny Williams, Ken Ekenseair, Mike Rhoades and Lloyd Smith.

publication of the col- torical Society with suporful book through its port from the Faulkner commissioning was the HISTORY < 8T Faulkner County His-


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Scholarships go out for 2012 Toad Suck Daze Scholarship recipi- Hannah M. Rehm, ents for 2012 Toad of St. Joseph School, Suck Daze are: daughter of Kevin and Crystal Rehm, atLisa Yates, of Con- tending UCA; Hunter way Schools, daugh- Parker, of Greenbrier ter of Lorie and Dar- School, son of Gary rell Yates, attending and Donna Parker, Central Baptist Col- attending UCA; John lege; Andrea An- Martindal, of Vilonia drews, of Conway School, son of Rodney Schools, daughter of and Tammy MartinTracy and Mark An- dale, attending UCA; drews, attending the Katelyn Dunn, of ViUniversity of Cen- lonia School, daughtral Arkansas; Aspen ter of Josh and Tina Madrid, of Conway Dunn, attending Schools, daughter UCA; Kayla Pruitt, of Artuvo and Tracy of St. Joseph School, Madrid, attending daughter of Paula Hendrix College; Bec- and Carl Pruitt, atca Morgan, of Conway tending University Schools, daugther of of Arkansas ComYvonne and Trevor munity College at Morgan, attending Morrilton; McKenzie Hendrix College; Cal- Kaye Treat, of Conli Morrison, of Con- way Christian School, way Christian School, daughter of Mark daughter of James and Tammie Treat, and Angela Morri- attending Central son, attending UCA; Baptist College; Mi-

chael Caleb Imboden, of Conway School, son of Cory and Jill Imboden, attending UACCM; Robin Hamilton, daughter of Shane Hamilton and Kellie Yates, attending UCA; Sarah Hammontree, of Greenbrier School, daughter of Shawn and Tonya Hammontree, attending Central Baptist College; Sarah Lewter, of Greenbrier School, daughter of Erin and Dustin Lewter, attending UCA; Savannah Cooper, of St. Joseph School, daughter of Buster and Valerie Cooper, attending Hendrix College; and Savannah Sloane Nolan, of St. Joseph School, daughter of Michelle Nabholz, attending UCA.

HISTORY from 7T

County Museum, the University of Central Arkansas Archive and the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies. The history book is available at the Faulkner County Museum. Pauly presents a choice of answers for the question of how Toad Suck Ferry got its name, including the popularly accepted one about the boatmen who, marooned because of low water, lay around and sucked from bottles of spirits so long that they “swelled up like toads.” The Toad Suck crossing of the Arkansas River was served by a ferry from 1820 until 1970 when the Kerr/McClellan Arkansas River Navigation System was completed. There was no question the official name of the crossing on Highway 60 connecting Faulkner and Perry Counties would be Toad Suck Ferry Lock and Dam. As reported in last year’s official Toad Suck Daze guide, 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.


Sunday, April 29, 2012 — 9T

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Tried and true items highlight food offerings

While there are a few more unusual things to add to the menu at Toad Suck Daze this year, organizers believe the “tried and the true” items are what keep people coming. “It’s worth mentioning, though we always do want to know what’s new and different, that all of peoples’ favorites are going to be back this year,” said Mary Margaret Satterfield, event chair. “People talk about how they’re excited for Toad Suck Daze because they want to get their chicken on a stick, a corn dog, and all of their favorites.” The usual vendors, some of whom have been with the festival for more than 20 years, will be back again this year. Add to the menu fried mashed potatoes, fried cream cheese

2012 Toad Suck Daze festival’s currency, will be in the 40s. Toad Bucks, are nonRemember that the refundable.

Chicken on a stick is a long-running favorite food option at Toad Suck Daze. COURTNEY SPRADLIN PHOTO

nuggets and fried Wisconsin cheese. Satterfield said a popular Wisconsin cheese stand is back, though it has been gone for several years. “I don’t know if it’s because they’re from Wisconsin, or if their

cheese is really good or what, but everyone loves the hot Wisconsin cheese stand.” A new sandwich stand will be at the festival this year, said Satterfield, building “Cubans” and “Phillies.”

Another vendor will debut fried Moon Pies and fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The fried Twinkies, fried Oreos and fried candy bars will still be available, she said. Food vendors at


10T — Sunday, April 29, 2012

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Conway Corporation Toadal Game Zone features karaoke stage

The third annual Conway Corporation Toadal Game Zone is bigger and better this year and features a ten-by-ten lighted stage for Toad Suck Daze visitors to perform Dance Central 2 or karaoke. In addition, Conway Corporation has again hired IGX to bring even more video games to the event

and will have a tent full of the latest that gaming systems have to offer. The Toadal Game Zone tent will open the Toad Suck Daze festival at 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 4. Visitors to the tent can play video games, sing karaoke from Conway Corporation’s Digital Cable package or dance on

stage with Dance Central 2 for Xbox 360 Kinect. Free game play will be available all day, every day, and the stage will be designated for karaoke or dancing at different times throughout the weekend. Karaoke and dancing contestants will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 VISA

Two Toad Suck attendees play Guitar Hero in the Conway Corporation Toadal Game Zone tent last year. COURTNEY SPRADLIN PHOTO

gift card. Two gift cards will be given away each day of the festival. Visitors to the booth will also be eligible to win other prizes including free digital and high-definition cable service for six months. The Toadal Game

Dance Central 2 8:30 – 11 p.m. Karaoke Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Open Stage 6 – 8:30 p.m. Dance Central 2 8:30 – 11 p.m. KaraToadal Game Zone oke Schedule Sunday: 11 a.m. – Friday: 6 – 8:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Open Stage

Zone tent will be open during Toad Suck Daze festival hours, May 4-6 and is located on the corner of Main and Parkway streets downtown.


A participant in last year’s toad races prepares to unleash her racer. COURTNEY SPRADLIN PHOTO

Toads hop to various commands By DAVID MCCCOLLUM LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

From years of experience, from youngsters to celebrities, there is no toadally surefire way to handle a racing toad. Some say it’s similar to relating to a girlfriend: Whisper in its ear and it will do anything. The trick is finding the toad’s ear. Then, there’s the diva method: Applause. A toad, like humans, will reach back for a little extra with applause. Another method is referred as the wifenurturing approach: Blow on its back and the toad will be at your command — at least for awhile. And there’s the ‘Mom’ in her ‘cleanyour-room’ approach: Yell at it. Steady and stern. There’s the heavyhanded strategy: Slap

just behind the toad. (Just make sure the toad doesn’t make a sudden backward move). The fairy tale princess approach: Kiss it. One beauty queen once said that it may not assure victory, but there was possible a chance it could turn into a handsome prince. About 300 toads will be used for weekend races, from youngsters to celebrities. Probably, motivation techniques are as different and varied as they are for any athlete. There’s always a surprise with a toad goes on its own tangent — or “toadgent.” When then-Gov. Bill Clinton participated in the race in 1988, his toad jump off — way out of its lane. Clinton analyzed: “Just like the Legislative. It took a turn to the right.”



Sunday, April 29, 2012 — 13T

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Competitors named in festival’s most ‘ribbeting’ event grueling mental and ing features at the Toad physical test of endur- Suck Daze festival. For ance, is one of the most Stuck on a Truck, a exciting and entertainSTUCK < 14T

By MEGAN REYNOLDS LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

Stuck on a Truck has been a staple of Toad Suck Daze for more than 11 years. COURTNEY SPRADLIN PHOTO


14T — Sunday, April 29, 2012

STUCK from 13T more than 11 years, the event has begun before the first toad hops to a finish line and usually continues for days after

the last corndog has been consumed. The event began in 2001 as “Hug a Bug,” and with a grand prize of a red Volkswagen Beetle. Sixtyfive hours and 14 min-

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utes from the start of the competition, Phillip Toll of Conway won the keys to the brand new bug. This year, gathered around a shiny, new 2012 Ford F150, 25 competi-

tors will stand for days with at least one hand on the truck in hopes of taking it home, driven by their desire to win, and the cheers of support from their loved ones. Contestants are monitored by paramedics and receive only short, periodical breaks to recharge. Last year’s winner, local hairstylist Anna Johnson remained stuck to her truck for nearly six days, winning after 136 hours. Giving back to the community is another aspect of the competition. This year spectators and supporters are encouraged to vote for their favorite contestant to donate money to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Foundation.

One vote will equal one dollar, and the contestant raising the most money will win a prize. Previous year’s fundraisers have brought in $10,000 for local charities. The competition will begin at noon on Thursday. Other prizes up for grabs include a Bad Boy MZ4221BS mower from Duncan Outdoors, a Hot Springs Spa hot tub from Luxury Pool & Spa, an Eight Weeks to Wellness program from Hurley Chiropractic and a $2,000 gift certificate from Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling. Contestants on deck for this year’s contest include: Brandon Curtis, 28, of Conway; Johnny Tipton, 38, of Cabot; Chris Brynell, 27, of Cabot; Billy Brown,

45, of Greenbrier; Stephanie Henson, 31, of Maumelle; Melissa Wyles, 35, of Conway; Ginger King, 23, of Beebe; Mo Skelton, 35, of Conway; Matt Grissom, 23, of Conway; Charlie Wagner, 20, of Conway; Elizabeth Reynolds, 39, of Vilonia; Steven Howard, 40, of Clinton; Amy Fletcher, 20, of Conway; Jason Beck, 27, of Hensley; Keri Davidson, 34, of Guy; Renee’ McGhee, 48, of Oppelo; Ronald Upson, 35, of Cabot; Brian Root, 54, of Hot Springs; Luke Martin, 24, of Conway; Jumbo Cauthen, 35, of Atkins; Kayla Scott, 21, of Conway; Lucas Law, 37, of Conway; Jason Hocott, 27, of Conway; Russell Dorsey, 23, of Conway; and Steven Calhoun, 20, of Conway.


Sunday, April 29, 2012 — 15T

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22nd Sunday Dinner scheduled for today

The 22nd Annual Toadsuck Sunday Dinner will offer Toad Suck Daze revelers an early start on this year’s activities. The dinner will be the today. The fundraiser will be held at the Conway Senior Citizens Center, 1620 Donaghey Ave., the meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “These hours have proven to be convenient for individuals and family groups who stop by after Church,” Debra Robinson, director of the Faulkner County Senior Citizens Program explained. “Folks still have most of the afternoon available for other activities.” This year the menu

includes: Chicken and dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, cheese cake and a choice of drinks (including a mysterious green beverage labeled “Toad Juice”). It will also feature a Kid’s Meal, which includes a hot dog, potato chips, cookie and drink. Prices will be $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 4 to 12, and children 3 years and under will receive a free kid’s meal. Carry out meals will be available. This year in conjunction with the dinner, there will be a Bake Sale and Silent Auction. There will be baked goods made by some of the best cooks

in town. The Silent Auction will feature lots of gift certificates and a big variety of items that have been donated. Donations will also be collected for a chance to win a beautiful handmade quilt by Lollie Horn. Ms. Horn is one of the center’s participants and has been making quilts for many years. 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. For more information, visit http://fcseniors.no-ip.org or call 327-2895.

Rotary members to work TSD 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. The event returns 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. Tickets are $5 and can be bought from Conway Rotary Club members and at the door. Proceeds go to scholarships for students attending Central

Baptist College, Hendrix College and the University of Central Arkansas. More than 90 members of the club will participate in some facet of the event, with long-time members having moved up the

PANCAKE < 17T


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Kids learn firemen skills at Crawl, Drag and Squirt By DAVID MCCOLLUM Log Cabin staff writer

The Crawl, Drag and Squirt at Toad Suck Daze is a combination of imagination, education and competition for youngsters. First, it allows elementary school youngsters to learn what it’s like to fulfill a common dream — to be a fireman. The kids will go through a timed obstacle course that requires many of the skills use by firemen. They include putting on a coat and pack,

CRAWL < 17T

Crawl, Drag and Squirt allows children to live the firefighter dream. COURTNEY SPRADLIN PHOTO


Sunday, April 29, 2012 — 17T

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CRAWL from 16T crawling through a confined space, pulling a sled, smashing things with a rubber mallet, dragging a hose over a set distance and shooting water at targets. Through the agegraded competition (grades 1-2 and 3-4 with boys and girls divisions), the youngsters learn about fire safety and the community is educated about the various challenges faced by firemen. Youngsters qualify in preliminary competition at each of Conway’s elemen-

PANCAKE from 15T cooking order to cook toad sausages. Those with the most seniority will be greeting old friends at the door. For sponsorship

tary schools. Other preliminary competition will be Friday at the Central Fire Station. Opening ceremonies will begin at a roped-off area on Front Street will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Final rounds will start at 12:30 p.m. Each youngster who makes the finals will receive a medal. Trophies will be awarded the top three finishers in each division. A traveling trophy is awarded to the elementary school that accumulates the most points in the finals.

information, contact Roger Lewis at rogerlewis@conwaycorp.net. In addition to Central Baptist College, this year’s sponsors are Hur-

Children encouraged to write about toads, ice cream By RICHARD DUKE log cabin staff writer

Another year, another chance to write about the natural connection between toads and Blue Bell Ice Cream. The Blue Bell Ultimate Toad Suck Daze Experience is open to students in grades Kindergarten to 4th grade. The contest involves a story about both toads and Blue Bell Ice Cream. The stories should be limited to 100 words, but children are encouraged to use their imagination. Two winners will

ley Chiropractic and Welness Center, Arvest Bank, DQ Grill & Chill, Independent Living Services, Nabholz Construction Services, NBMC, Inc,

be named in the 2012 contest. The winner and their immediate family (up to 6 people) will receive the grand prize, only during the 2012 festival. Winners will be selected by an anonymous and independent judging panel. All entries must include the entrant’s name, parent’s name, grade, school, and phone number. The grand prize includes: free Blue Bell Ice Cream during the Toad Suck Daze festival, $200 in Toad Bucks to be used during Toad Suck Daze, free Toad Suck Daze

Dr. and Mrs. Jim Capps, Conway Precast: Greg and Joan Shofner, Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling and State Rep. David Meeks, R-Conway.

t-shirts for the family, The contest opened access to the VIP roof- April 9 and the deadtop and special VIP line to submit entries Toad Racing. was April 25.


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Toad Market gives festival-goers chance to shop By RICHARD DUKE log cabin staff writer

A perfect combination of commercial and homemade products come together with the Toad Market. A trip to the festival would not be complete without stopping by the market to see the unique items available. According to festival organizers, the market has seen vendors come back year after year, with some being involved as long as the festival itself. Around 150 vendors will be a part of the 2012 lineup, A young Toad Suck Daze attendee makes a selection at the selling everything Toad Market last year. COURTNEY SPRADLIN from homemade

soap and jewelry to clothing and lawn furniture and pretty much everything in between. Many of the vendors sell items, some personalized, that cannot be found anywhere else. There is a wide variety of products including: dip mixes, jewelry, children’s clothing, iron work, signs, home décor, T-shirts, sand art, wooden toys and much more. Also included in the Toad Market is a Business Expo area for businesses and organizations to hand out information. Those attending the festival and the Toad Market will see local vendors and friends, but thhey will also see special shops that come in from other parts of the state and region just for the festival. It’s a good time to stock up on some very unique items. The Toad Market will be open all three days of the festival. For a complete list of vendors, visit www.toadsuck. org.


Sunday, April 29, 2012 — 19T

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Toadal Kidz Zone offers loads of activities The kids know where to go during Toad Suck Daze. There’s an area just for them, the Toadal Kidz Zone on the lawn of the Faulkner County Courthouse. Clowns, magicians, balloon artists will stroll through the area. There will be a petting zoo and pony rides. A sand pile with hidden treasures will be a popular spot for digging. School choirs will sing and gymnasts will

Toad Suck Daze is packed with activities for children. COURTNEY SPRADLIN PHOTO

Terrific’s Wacky Magic, tumble on two stages. 6:15 p.m. Tommy This year’s sponsor is Terrific’s Wacky Magic, Smith Ford. Saturday CourtOther sponsors are Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Y107.1 My Country. Here’s the schedule of activities: Friday Kid’s Stage

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

5:15

p.m.

Tommy

house Stage

10:30 a.m. Ida Burns

ZONE < 20T


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ZONE from 19T

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 Choir 1 p.m. Ruth Doyle Intermediate Choir 1:30 p.m. Showstoppers of Greenbrier Westside 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. KinderSongs with Brian and Terri Kinder 5:15 p.m. Dick’s Sporting Goods Toady Prize Dig 5:30 p.m. Voices of Children play in a sand box at last year’s Toad Suck Daze. COURTNEY SPRADLIN PHOTO Sallie Cone brier Eastside Baton Cheer Force All Stars Saturday Kids’ Sunday Twirlers 2 p.m. Little Rock Stage Courthouse Stage Noon Tommy Terrif- Zoo “Reptiles Rock” 10:30 a.m. Marvin ic’s Wacky Magic 12:30 p.m. UCA 2:30 p.m. Checkers Williams and Friends Community School of 1 p.m. Little Rock the Clown 11 a.m. Greenbrier Zoo “Warm and Fuzzy 4 p.m. The Balloon Music Guitar Studio Eastside Sports Stack- Mammals Show” 1:30 p.m. Mayflower Man ers 1:30 p.m. Sonshine 5:30 p.m. Central Ar- Golden Eagles Choir 11:30 a.m. Green- Academy Gym and kansas Baton Twirlers. 2 p.m. Theodore Jones Elementary Choir 3 p.m. Central Arkansas Children’s Choir 3:30 p.m. Tiger Tones of Ellen Smith Elementary. Sunday Kids’ Stage

1:30 p.m. Balloon Man 2 p.m. Checkers the Clown 2:30 p.m. Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic 3 p.m. The Balloon Man 3:30 p.m. Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic


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Sunday, April 29, 2012 — 21T

Sports again hopping through Toad Suck weekend By DAVID MCCOLLUM Log Cabin staff writer

Participants will be running, putting and riding during sporting events at Toad Suck Daze. TOAD SUCK RUNS

The Toad Suck Daze 10K, 5K and Tadpole Trots have been part of the festival from almost the beginning and attract both serious and recreation runners throughout the state and beyond. The event, coordinated by the Conway Kiwanis Club and Regions Bank and which benefits several local charities, will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at John McConnell Stadium at Conway High. The 10k serves as the Road Runners Club of Arkansas state championship race at that distance. The 5K and Children ride motorcycles on a carousel along the midway at last year’s Toad Suck Daze. The festival offers many sporting options, real and simulated.

SPORTS < 23T

COURTNEY SPRADLIN PHOTO


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Log Cabin iPhone app, Instagram lend interactive guide to Toad Suck LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT

With the launch of the Log Cabin’s iPhone app two years ago, loyal readers have been able to keep up with the latest news and information as they go about their weekend at Toad Suck Daze. The convenience of having 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, search the classified section or get updated on the latest Toad Suck Daze news and festival information. The Toad Suck Daze portion of the Log Cabin Democrat iPhone app contains all of the information you will need to navigate the festival’s attractions and happenings, including event listings, vendor and Toad Bucks locations, and photos of videos of all things toad. “There isn’t a more comprehensive and interactive guide to Toad Suck Daze than our iPhone applica-

tion,” said Publisher Rick Fahr. “The app lets you keep up with everything that’s going on as it’s happening.” This year, Fahr said, the iPhone app will be available for free on the iTunes store during the festival. Also adding to the interactive experience is the addition of photo sharing via Instagram, a free app available on both iOs and Android platforms, that enables the user to document the festival experience, and using #toadsuck, live feed their photos to a slideshow on the Log Cabin’s website at www.thecabin.net. The initial app project was a collaboration involving marketing firm Clarovista, the Conway Chamber of Commerce and four sponsors.


Sunday, April 29, 2012 — 23T

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

SPORTS from 21T com until 8 p.m. day and $25 be- Entry fee is $300 through Faulkner of the race. Conwalk will begin at the same time. The Tadpole Trot, an age-graded series of races over various distances for youngsters, 4-12, at various distances, will begin after the main races. Pre-race registration is open online at www. toadsuckrun.

Thursday. Day of race registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and ends at 7:30. Participants can also register and pick up packets from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Conway High School fieldhouse. Entry fees for the 10K and 5K events are $20 through Thurs-

ginning Friday, May 4. The Tadpole Trot costs $5 without a T-shirt or $8 with a Tshirt. SOME GOLF

per team and is due by Wednesday, May 2. The field is limited to 60 teams in five flights. Furthern information can be obtained from Jay McConnell, 501713-1532.

The TSD threeman scramble will be Friday at a new location — The Greens at THE RIDE Nutters Chapel. The Tour de Shotgun starts Toad will feawill be at 8:30 ture 33- and 45a.m. and 1:30 p.m. mile bike rides

and Perry counties. The event will begin at 8 a.m. Sunday at the C o n wa y High f i e l d h o u s e. A l l participants will receive lunch. Registration fee is $35 per person and can be done online at www. active.com or at 7 a.m. on the day

tact Kely Bullington (329-7323) or kbullington@ literacylittlerock. org. Process will Literacy Action of Central Arkansas, which teaches adults to read and those nonnatives who don’t speak English to read, write and speak the lanaguage.



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