Frog Festival

My Saturday was spent in the town of Sumiton, Alabama - home of the Frog Festival.  According to the website (http://thefrogfestival.com/Beginnings.html), the origin of the Frog Festival lies with an Italian immigrant, Luigi.  Luigi moved to the area and upon finding the waters teeming with fish & frogs decided to gather friends and neighbors to "dispose of the frogs".  I presume this "disposal" most likely included frying up their tasty little legs but the story never admits to frog consumption.  Luigi's friends and neighbors did indeed gather for food, music, and fun.  In fact, so much fun was had by all that they decided to do it again the following year, and so, the Frog Festival was born. 
When searching for festivals to attend, this one caught my attention simply because I have always had a fondness for the little green hoppers but also because it seemed it might be one of those festivals with a small town, community feel.  While there was an absence of fried legs, there was no lack of small town hospitality!  For a girl who grew up in a small, southern town, I felt right at home.  They block off Main St as well as a side street to form a "T", then line both streets with food and craft vendors, a music stage on each street, and a kid's play area.



 

Since I am still very new to the festival scene, each one is a learning experience.  This particular festival taught me two things - 1) bring a drop cloth to cover the table when it starts pouring rain and 2) bring a blanket no matter the weather report! Luckily, the tent  kept most of my goodies dry and I did at least bring a jacket that kept me from wimping out and packing up early!  Surprisingly, the off and on rain showers (and the resulting cooler temperature!) did not deter festival goers.  There was a steady stream of people from beginning to end; enjoying music, food, and crafts from the 250 booths!  I suppose people could not resist the promise of the website for music, arts & crafts, and "fun - all day"!