Fast Facts:
Dates: May 4-6
Place: Downtown Conway
Entertainment Schedule
Admission to Toad Suck Daze is free.
More Info:
What is “Toadsuck?” Well, the name doesn’t refer to what you’re thinking. Back when steamboats traveled the Arkansas River, they could only travel when the water was at the right depth. When it wasn’t, the captains and their crew had to wait on the river at what is currently the Toad Suck Lock and Dam. They, being good sailors, waited at the local tavern and the locals said that “sic the bottle ’til they swell up like toads.” That’s where legend says the name of the town comes from and the festival is named after the town.
Toad Suck Daze is fun for all the family. They have special events for kids but all the events are family fun.
They also have great food. Festival food is one of the best parts of any Arkansas festival. A wide variety of traditional items are available, including hamburgers, chicken fajitas, corn dogs, crawfish, cotton candy, candy apples and polish sausage. There are different types of nontraditional festival food provided by local vendors. You can find something for every taste. Normally food ranges in price from $1 (popcorn) to $5-6 dollars for a larger sandwich.
Toad Suck also provides music for visitors. In 2015, they switched to a smaller, regional band concept and this will probably be continued in 2016. They are trying to recruit more local talent and local artists for this and future festivals.
Speaking of local artists, vendors and crafters are also on hand to sell and market their wares. Conway even has a special “Toad Store” where you can buy all the gear you need to outfit yourself for Toad Suck Daze. It’s open until the end of the festival so get your Toadobillia while the getting is good. Festival organizers say the pickings get slim on the first day of the festival. Toad Suck has made a special effort to give local artist and craftsman a featured presence. That was one of the major changes in 2015 to make the festival more profitable for Conway businesses and artists.
If you have never been to Toad Suck Daze or haven’t in a few years, it’s time to check it out.
