29 Apr 2024 It’s Toad Time
The 43rd annual Toad Suck Daze festival is planned for May 3-5 in Historic Downtown Conway. The family-friendly event includes concerts, shopping, carnival rides, children’s activities and the World Championship Toad Races starring our amphibious friends. There is no cost to enter. Concession vendors and the play area for kids open at 11 a.m. Friday, and the market vendors and carnival open at 3 p.m. Visit toadsuck.org for detailed schedules.
The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce oversees the largest free family festival in Arkansas, with more than 100,000 attendees every year. Since its inception in 1982, it has contributed more than $2.4 million in scholarships, endowments, STEM education, preschool funding, arts education and community development. Toad Suck Daze is presented by Baptist Health, Chris Crain Hyundai, and Genesis of Conway.
“Last year was an incredible one for Toad Suck Daze, thanks to our presenting sponsors and major festival partners,” said Conway Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Brad Lacy. “This allowed us to give more than any year in the festival’s history and establish a new partnership with the Little Rock Zoo, which we are excited about.”
In April, Toad Suck Daze officials announced record charitable giving of $220,500. A $100,000 gift is marked for the Little Rock Zoo to establish the Hidden Corners of the World: Uncommon Creatures exhibit. “As unique as Toad Suck Daze are the creatures within the hidden corners of the world,” said Joy Matlock, director of marketing and development at the zoo. “This exhibit features reptiles and amphibians from all over our planet.”
Other contributions include $20,000 to design and engineer a toad-themed pocket park in downtown Conway; $25,000 to the Conway Downtown Partnership; $33,500 to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library; $17,000 in college scholarships for Faulkner County students; $10,000 to the Toad Suck Daze Emerging Scholars; $10,000 to a “Greetings from Conway” mural in downtown Conway; and $5,000 to the Reynolds Performance Main Stage Series.
