Winners have been chosen in the Fabulous Fontana Frog contest. There were 173 entries submitted by 258 people. Eight judges — members of the Walworth County Arts Council, poets, artists, teachers, and members of the library staff — selected 31 entries in the art and written divisions for special awards.
Prizes for these awards will be awarded at the frog celebration on Saturday, May 11 at 11 a.m. at the Fontana Public Library, 166 Second Ave. in Fontana.
The 14-foot frog has been standing along Highway 67 in Fontana since 1964, making him 55 years old and a Fontana Public Library contest that’s underway aims to celebrate him being a staple 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 stated.
Dubbed Fabulous Fontana Frog contest 2019, people were 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?),” were among the ideas mentioned when the contest kicked off.
Participants were also asked to think of a name for the frog along with their reason for choosing that name.
Nick Pastiu, owner of the frog, will be present at the ceremony to announce the results of the frog-naming contest. All of the entries will be on display and refreshments will be served.
For further information, call the library at 262-275-5107.
