Folks leapt at the chance to attend the 31st annual Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival recently, held on the grounds of the Historic Fellsmere School Complex, proclaimed as the Frog Leg Capital of the World.
Families strolled along the midway, perusing vendor booths selling everything from homemade wares to jerky. People could try their hand at gem-mining or take a walk back in time, checking out displays of ‘hit-and-miss’ combustible engines, tractors and horse buggies from yesteryear.
Live music from a half-dozen local bands kept things lively throughout the weekend, and on Friday, the Fellsmere Elementary School Mustangs showcased their talents to a crowd full of family and friends.
Children’s giggles and screams filled the air as they flew through the sky on roller coasters and tried their hand at midway games along the way, and the scent of cotton candy and fried dough wafted on the breeze, tempting festivalgoers to enjoy a treat.
Long lines wended their way through the grounds as attendees waited to grab a taste of the famed frog leg and alligator tail dinners. Those still not ready to hang out in a crowd were able to drive through and pick up their meals.
The festival has grown considerably since the first year, when local giggers brought in 400 pounds of frog legs which were quickly devoured.
This year, organizers started the weekend off with 4,000 pounds of frog legs and 4,000 pounds of gator tail, said Indian River County Commissioner Susan Adams, who also served as mayor of Fellsmere from 2008 to 2015.
Adams grew up with the festival, as her mother, Fran Adams, a county commissioner from 1992 to 2004, was one of its founders.
The festival holds two Guinness Book World Records for the Most Frog Legs served in one business day and the Largest Frog Leg Festival in the world.
The festival has drawn 80,000 attendees at its peak, during which 7,000 pounds of frog legs and 2,000 pounds of gator were served.
Donations over the past 30 years have exceeded $1 million, with proceeds supporting youth recreation activities and the restoration of the Old School, which continues to serve as home to the festival and as the Fellsmere City Hall/Government Center.
“This year we’re saving up so we can help the city renovate their senior league baseball fields and concession stand,” said Adams.
Photos by Kaila Jones
