CONWAY, Ark. — The family-friendly festival Toad Suck Daze is returning as a three-day-long event for the first time since 2019, beginning this weekend on April 29 and ending on May 1.
Jamie Gates with the Conway Chamber of Commerce said all signs are pointing to high attendance for the festival
"We're very excited obviously to be back. What's particularly meaningful about our festival is that it's raised $2,000,000 for education so you can come here and have a good time, but know that you know it's not just fun," said Gates.
He said the event is meaningful work and contribution.
He adds that there's going to be a lot that you would expect to find, but those expectations will be exceeded soon after you arrive.
This year Adam Hambrick, a UCA grad who has had music success as a country singer and songwriter, is the creative director of the festival.
"I played the Toad Suck main stage when I was a junior in college. It was the year Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert were here. I just remember that week I was so fired up to play," said Hambrick.
Bringing local acts to open up and perform along side big headliners was his pathway to open doors, and he wants to do the same for others.
Josh Abbott Band and Drew Holcomb are headlining this year as musical guests along with a new shopping event called Market at Parkway Crossing, carnival rides, and of course, the tradition lives on in the World Championship Toad Races.
Miller's Spectacular Shows will be bringing their carnival ride attractions along with meals from their food stands.
Owner, Freddie Miller said the industry is still rebounding from COVID, so to be an Arkansas based attraction working this year for the festival feels like having fun in your own backyard.
"We bring in a different variety of rides every year for the event. Give them something new. Such has this year the Music Express. The big super Himalaya that's in our background," said Miller.
The festival spans eight downtown Conway city blocks with spaces dedicated to music concerts, shopping, food, and activities.
The City of Conway posted an announcement for residents to prepare for traffic changes, road closures, and more foot traffic along the streets in downtown.
Admission to the festival is completely free, according to the festival's website.