The 14-foot frog has been standing along Highway 67 in Fontana since 1964, making him 55 years old. A Fontana Public Library contest that’s currently underway aims to celebrate his long tenure in the area.
“He’s in a book called Weird Wisconsin, writing by Linda S. Godfrey and Richard D. Hendricks. They tell us that Fontana was once called ‘Frog Hollow’ because the marshy land was perfect for frogs,’” a press release about the contest states.
Dubbed Fabulous Fontana Frog contest 2019, people are invited to contribute to the contest in a variety of ways.
“It’s time to give him some attention… Draw a picture of a frog. Write a poem about frogs. Write a story about frogs or this frog – what’s it like to be a giant old frog who’s been stuck in the same place for 55 years? (Or has he? Does he get around when we can’t see him? How does he like his hometown? Does he like being included in wedding photos?),” the release states.
Participants are also asked to think of a name for him: “I think the frog should be named (fill in the blank) because (give a reason for the suggested name.”
The Fontana Library will print the stories and poems about the frog in a little book and display the pictures. The library will also hold a special reception for all who enter the contest, featuring prizes for the best stories, poems and pictures.
Contest rules only state that participants submit their own original work and be sure to attach an entry form (available at the circulation desk of the library.) The deadline to enter the contest is Friday, March 22.
Fontana Public Library is at 166 Second Ave. For more information call the library at 262-275-5107.
