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When the road into Waynesville was being widened, local Pulaski County residents thought that some dynamited rocks resembled a frog. A tattoo artist climbed up and painted a frog on the rocks, creating the local landmark Frog Rock.
“A marine detachment at Fort Leonard Wood adopted him and repaints him as needed,” said Beth Wiles, executive director of the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau. “He’s about the size of a Volkswagen bug, and overlooks the town of Waynesville and historic Route 66.”
Frog Rock is not only a local icon but the theme for mid-May’s (May 15-16, 2010) annual Frog Fest in Waynesville’s Roubidoux Park, where activities include a Kiss the Frog contest and a frog race.
The Society for Creative Anachronism, an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th century Europe, enlivens the festival with sword-fight demonstrations, archery, calligraphy, equestrian events, cooking, quilting and armormaking.
Missouri is filled with creative festivals that honor local and international heritage, and provide ample fun for local residents and visiting groups.
SantaCaliGon Days
Historic re-enactors, such as trappers and Indians, set up encampments and cook over open fires, paying homage to the area’s trails during SantaCaliGon Days over the Labor Day weekend in Independence.
Watermelon-seed spitting contests and narrated covered-wagon rides help celebrate the rich frontier history of Independence.
“It’s the granddaddy of free festivals,” said Janeen Aggen, media relations representative for Independence Tourism. “It’s got a historic tie to the past, because Independence was a major jumping-off spot for the Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails, which over 400,000 people followed.”
Along with national and local performers, the festival boasts a carnival midway and more than 500 market vendors selling a variety of jewelry, clothing, leather goods and candles made by crafters from across the country. Games, food and commercial booths round out the offerings.
“We encourage the vendors to theme their booths around the 1840s,” said Sue McMilian, vice president of special projects for the Independence Chamber of Commerce. “Some are decorated like log cabins, churches and even a steamboat.”
This year’s festival will be Sept. 3-7.
Twain on Main
Hannibal, the Missouri river town that inspired Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, focuses on Mark Twain and his writings at a couple of festivals.
The new Twain on Main Riverlife Festival, held for the first time this Memorial Day weekend, expanded upon and replaced the River Arts Festival. Each year, Twain on Main will focus on one of Twain’s books. This year’s inaugural festival featured A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
Events will vary by title, but costumed characters will roam the streets, and if one is available, a classic film version of the book will be shown. Artisan booths, a blues night and family entertainment will also be annual inclusions.
“The festival will help familiarize people with Twain’s many works,” said Megan Rapp, assistant director and group sales manager at the Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It will be years before we have to use the same book twice.”
National Tom Sawyer Days, held on the Fourth of July weekend, revels in its 54-year history with fireworks over the Mississippi River, a parade and family entertainment.
Contestants compete in a frog-jumping contest reminiscent of Twain’s short story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by bringing their own frogs or renting one on the spot.
During the three-part National Fence Painting Contest, based on a scene from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, participants receive points for costume authenticity, speed and painting quality. Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher look-alikes are also crowned.
“Both winners act as yearlong ambassadors, greeting bus groups and representing the city at national events,” said Rapp.
Mardi Gras and more
St. Louis’ Soulard Mardi Gras encompasses all of downtown and has become one of the nation’s largest Mardi Gras celebrations. What began in one tiny neighborhood 30 years ago has morphed into a fete that draws approximately 500,000 people annually.
Festivities start well before Fat Tuesday. On Jan. 6, the Twelfth Night celebration petitions the King of Mardi Gras, followed by a short parade. Throughout January, Soulard hosts: wine tasting, Cajun cook-offs, a family-style pet parade and a children’s art fair. The merriment culminates mid-February with the all-day Fat Tuesday party and Mardi Gras Grand Parade, boasting dozens of floats.
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September is a busy month for St. Louis festivals. The Missouri Botanical Garden’s multiday Japanese Festival combines the beauty of the gardens with the magic of Asian culture. The authentic garden is one of the largest in the nation. Yukimi lanterns from the 1904 World’s Fair line meandering paths, where each turn reveals a new feature, in keeping with Japanese design.
“Candlelight walks in the garden at twilight are incredibly scenic and peaceful,” said Karen Hagenow, public information officer at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. “It’s a unique experience that visitors can’t do any other time of the year.”
A parade opens the festival, which is filled with cooking, ice sculpting and bonsai demonstrations. Visitors can join in and learn authentic dances alongside Bon Odori dancers. The thunderous Taiko drummers consistently wow audiences as they perform on oversized drums.
Retired, English-speaking sumo wrestlers who competed in Japan demonstrate stretches and moves and talk about life in a sumo stable.
“There’s a lot of audience participation with the sumo show,” said Hagenow. “It’s an absolute hit.”
