Frog Frolic Returns to Redding This Saturday

**News Release submitted by the Mark Twain Library **

The Mark Twain Library is excited to announce the return of the Frog Frolic! After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, this fun filled family outdoor festival is making its triumphant return on Saturday, May 14th from 10am to 4pm. This extra special day of family fun is in its 25th year and will bring back some mainstay activities such as Touch-A-Truck, games, crafts and bounce houses as well as introduce new attractions from live music and a photo booth to beer and coffee tents – it’s a festival for all ages!

“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 then with old and new activities and a brand new look.”

Attendees 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 the Western Swing style group hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Smokey’s Round-up. Band leader Smokey Hormel is known for playing with the likes of Beck, Nora Jones and Rufus Wainwright as well as providing music for children’s cartoon series the Backyardigans. Additional entertainment includes demonstrations by Redding-Easton Falcons Cheer and karate by Sensei June plus a booth featuring our friends from New Pond Farm.

This year we’re excited to offer food for purchase from a number of local food trucks selling both tacos and waffles. Redding Neighbors and Newcomers also returns to sell their delicious homemade cupcakes. The beer (available for purchase that day from 1-4pm) is being donated by Nod Hill and the coffee has been donated by up and coming coffee roaster Quartertone Coffee Roasters – both based in Ridgefield.

There will be 50 unique offerings to bid on virtually in this year’s silent auction (double the fun to celebrate the 25th year!) Here’s a sneak peek at just a few: tickets to Sound on Sound, Front Row to Jay Leno @ the Ridgefield Playhouse, and the chance to have a “Loose In The Library!” afterhours ultimate hide and seek party!

The Frolic takes place outside and is nestled in front of the Redding Community Center @ 37 Lonetown Road amid Redding’s country roads and rolling hills. The event is FREE of charge to enter. Tickets are on sale on location to participate in the games and crafts. Food is for purchase. 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 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. For the last quarter century, the Frog Frolic has provided Redding residents and surrounding towns a place for the whole family to relax, meet friends and enjoy a bit of spring fever.

“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,” commented Library Director Erin Shea Dummeyer. “The last Frolic took place in 2019, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring it out of hibernation.”

The Frog Frolic relies on the dedication and hard work of many community volunteers as well as the generosity of financial sponsors each year, including Meadow Ridge Retirement Community. To learn about the various levels of sponsorship and/or sponsor the 2022 Frog Frolic Family Festival go to our website or click here.

Free parking.

Credit cards accepted.

**News Release submitted by the Mark Twain Library **