Indian River County is a premier destination on Florida’s Treasure Coast offering a variety of activities and natural surroundings. From Vero Beach, a busy ocean side community that has 26 miles of white sand beaches to Fellsmere, a secluded community that is known for its community events, the county features a range of destinations sure to satisfy your travel needs.
The Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival has attracted thousands of people to the area for 26 years. It’s a community celebration built around eating frog legs and alligator meat, all while raising funds for the recreational facilities and children’s programs in town. Planners expect to serve up over 7,000 pounds of frog legs and 2,000 pounds of alligator meat at the event. The festival is full of activities for attendees of all ages. Kids will gravitate toward the carnival rides, games, and bright lights of the midway. Older patrons will love the vendor marketplace, live music, and a fine selection of beers and wines. ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Susan Adams, Public Relations Chair for the festival, to talk about this great community event.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
SA: We are celebrating our 26th year.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
SA: About 8,000 people visit us each year.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event?
SA: We see everyone including families, couples, foodies, and groups of friends.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
SA: The Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival was started to fund youth recreation in the City of Fellsmere while celebrating our unique culture. The event is located in downtown Fellsmere, helping to highlight the small town feel of the festival.
RAL: Tell me about the activities.
SA: We have carnival rides, midway games, crafter booths, live entertainment, and more.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
SA: Festus the Frog makes live appearances daily!
RAL: What dining options will attendees find?
SA: Frog Leg and Gator Tail Dinners, carnival food, beer, wine, and other festival fare!
RAL: What is the overall environment?
SA: It's an outdoor event that takes place at the Old School Complex with tents available for dining.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
SA: Travelers will find a rich community of lodging establishments in the Indian River Area. For more information about accommodation choices visit SebastianChamber.com.
RAL: Is there one place in particular that guests flock to?
SA: Visitors like the Ferndale Lodge and the Key West Inn.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
SA: Yes, the festival provides a large boon to our small town! Our population (approx 5,300) doubles in size during the festival, and the resulting business impacts our local economy in a major way.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
SA: The festival provides funding for recreational needs in the city of Fellsmere, providing dollars for infrastructure (ball field renovation, basketball courts, stage, etc.) as well as supporting our local youth through swim lessons and cultural programs at Fellsmere Elementary School.
RAL: Does lodging hit max occupancy during the event?
SA: Lodging can fill up, but there is always room for visitors to our fabulous area!
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
SA: Where else can you try frog legs, gator tail, elephant ears, and candy apples, all while having a great time on the midway and visiting the crafter booths? The Frog Leg Festival holds two Guinness World Records -- Most Frog Legs Served in One Day and Largest Frog Leg Festival in the World! It's worth the drive from anywhere!
For more information about the Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival, please visit their website.