TADPOLE 10
Children’s activities abound at Toad Suck Daze
T here’s no doubt about it — Toad Suck Daze is a great place to be a kid. The rides, entertainment and events offer plenty of ways for youngsters to have fun. “We have a ton of things for children at the festival,” said Mary Margaret Satterfield, director of Toad Suck Daze and events for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. “We really try to make Toad Suck Daze family friendly, and a lot of that is making sure there are multiple [activities] for kids.”
Here are 10 ways children can have a blast at Toad Suck Daze.
JAM OUT AT THE TOADAL KIDS ZONE
Located on the Faulkner County Courthouse lawn, the Conway Regional Health System/Caldwell Toyota Toadal Kids Zone will have two stages for children’s entertainers such as school choirs, magicians and clowns, as well as a petting zoo, pony rides, a sandbox and a play area.
“We have some toys that you might find in your yard, but big groups of them so you can have open playtime for the kids,” Satterfield said. She added that the festival will enlarge its already sizable sandbox this year so that little ones will have more room to play.
LEAP INTO ACTION AT THE CHILDREN’S MIDWAY
Also at the Toadal Kids Zone is the children’s midway, which is separate from the festival’s main midway. The area will offer rides for young children, as well as festival fare and carnival games.
PICK YOUR PONY AT THE TOAD DOME
Kids can join the Toad Master for the World Famous Toad Races at the Walmart/Sam’s Club Toad Dome. The races will take places throughout the weekend, finishing with the Championship Toad Races at 3 p.m. May 7.
“That is actually for kids of all ages, because you can be any age to race a toad,” Satterfield said. “It brings out the kid in everybody.”
In addition, there will be a tricycle race and baby crawl at the Toad Dome beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday.
WRANGLE A RACE WINNER
Kids can find competitors for the Toad Races during the Toad Round-up from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Pompe Park, 2550 Prince St. Children who catch a toad can either keep the critter until the festival or give the amphibian to festival organizers.
“It’s our way to round up toads to be used at the toad race, and it’s a lot of fun,” Satterfield said.
CRAWL, DRAG AND SQUIRT YOUR WAY TO FIRE SAFETY
Elementary-school children can learn about fire safety while they compete in a timed obstacle course during the Kids Crawl, Drag and Squirt organized by the Conway Fire Department. Preliminaries will take place at 5 p.m. Friday at Central Fire Station, 1401 Caldwell St., and finals will occur at 11 a.m. May 7.
DERBY DOWN WITH THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
This year, Toad Suck Daze will partner with the Foothills District of the Boy Scouts, which will hold its Pinewood Derby at 1 p.m. Saturday on Front Street. Festivalgoers can watch the Scouts race model cars during the meet, and fans can join in the fun afterward during open racing.
MEET THE STARS
During the AETN Meet the Characters, sponsored by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, children can interact with some of their favorite PBS characters, including Clifford the Big Red Dog, Curious George, Peg plus Cat, and the Cat in the Hat, Satterfield said. The meet-and-greet will occur at the McDonald’s/ Crain Kia Main Stage from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. May 7.
HOP TO IT AT THE TADPOLE TROT
While grown-ups work up a sweat during the Toad Suck Run 10K/5K, kids ages 4 to 12 can join the Tadpole Trot at 8 a.m. Saturday. Participants will begin and end the race at Conway High School, 2300 Prince St. Proceeds from the race will benefit nonprofit organizations in Faulkner County.
STRUT YOUR STUFF AT THE MARDI DAZE PARADE
Kids can see the festival in style during the Mardi Daze Parade at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The walking parade will wind around the festival before reaching the Toad Dome in time for the first races of the day. The Toad Suck Daze Queens and Toad Master will be in attendance.
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
Although shopping may be more of a parental pursuit, plenty of children’s apparel and toys will be on sale at the festival. The Toad Market will feature about 150 vendors, and the Oak Street Galleria will offer products from regional boutiques and artisans. Kids can buy their Toad Suck Daze T-shirts at the Toad Store.