The Mark Twain Library heralds the return of the Frog Frolic after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The fun-filled family festival is making its triumphant return on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road in Redding. Many Easton residents are part of the festivities, including singer songwriter Dan Tressler.
This year marks the Frog Frolic’s 25th anniversary and brings an expanded scope, showcasing live music, four food trucks, a robust Silent Auction in addition to the beloved kid crowd pleasers: games, crafts, Touch-A-Truck and bounce houses.
“It’s safe to say that everyone in our community and beyond is ready for a gathering for all ages to enjoy,” said Frog Frolic Chair Melissa Capezio. “And what better way to celebrate this historic event in its silver anniversary year than with old and new activities and a brand-new look.”
Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or a chair and stay all day as the entertainment is free and will be ongoing throughout the festival. Families, friends (and frogs!) are invited to sit back and listen to music by Easton singer-songwriter Dan Tressler, and bands Bone Dry, Moonrise Cartel, and the western swing style group hailing from Brooklyn, N.Y., Smokey’s Round-up. Band leader Smokey Hormel is known for playing with Beck, Nora Jones and Rufus Wainwright as well as providing music for children’s cartoon series the Backyardigans.
Adult libations (available for purchase from 1 to 4 p.m.) is being donated by Nod Hill and Ancona’s Wines and Liquors; coffee has been donated by up-and-coming coffee roaster Quartertone Coffee Roasters.
The spirit behind the Frog Frolic is the much-loved short story by Twain, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” which introduced the world to the witty voice of Mark Twain. The first Frog Frolic was hatched to raise a few dollars for art supplies for children’s story times and eventually grew to an event that adds considerable revenue to the library’s bottom line.
“The last few years have proven challenging around the world for organizations that rely on fundraising events for their livelihood and the Mark Twain Library is no exception,” Library Director Erin Shea Dummeyer said. “The last Frolic took place in 2019, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring it out of hibernation.”
The event is free of charge to enter. All proceeds benefit the Mark Twain Library. The library was founded by Samuel Clemens, Mark Twain himself, in 1908, shortly after he moved to Redding.
The Mark Twain Library is owned by the Mark Twain Library Association. WSHU Public Radio is a media partner of the Mark Twain Library Frog Frolic. For more information about the Frog Frolic, visit www.marktwainlibrary.org/fundraising/frog-frolic or call 203-938-2545.
