Humorous Rules Govern Frog Racing & Jumping Contests

Open to Everyone

Festival visitors are invited to participate in the unique Frog Racing and Jumping contests at the 40th annual Rayne Frog Festival.  The contests will be held from 12:00noon to 2:00pm, Saturday, November 10th, at Stage II.

The Frog Racing and Jumping contests made their debut appearance at the third annual Frog Festival in Rayne.  Since then, they have proven to be one of the most popular festival events, offering festival-goers a change to “get in on the action” and handle real, live frogs.

Over 50 entries from throughout the United States participated in both events at that first annual contest in 1975.

The frog facing and jumping contests came into existence because of correspondence between the Rayne Acadian Tribune and officials in other states where frog jumps and races were held annually and were huge successes.  The Rayne Jaycees joined the Tribune in sponsoring the event, by providing frogs to rent and helping to measure the jumps.

To participate, a person has the option of entering the ‘frog racing’ or ‘frog jumping’ contest.  A contestant may bring a frog or rent one for a small fee from the Rayne Jaycees.

Racing Contest Rules

1. Frogs must measure at least four inches from nose to tail and must be bullfrogs, toads or spring frogs.  Little green tree frogs are not allowed due to the fact that the sponsors will not accept the responsibility for damages incurred by the little critters if they are walked upon.

2. All frogs must be named to avoid frog-calling confusion.

3. Contestants may not feed their frogs Tabasco or any other Louisiana hot sauce to make them jump farther.  Also, contestants may not feed their opponents’ frogs any Louisiana rice or soybeans to slow them down.

4. Frogs may not be touched once the race is underway. A reluctant entrant may be convinced to move by blowing on it, shouting at it, jumping up and down, or any other means with the exception of touching. Touching the frog means instant disqualification.

5. Frogs will be raced in heats, with each frog being placed within a circle. The frogs will be allowed a specified amount of time to reach the finish line, which is the drawn line surrounding the circle.  The first frog to reach the finish line in the allotted time will be declared the winner of that hear and will advance to the next phase of semi-finals and then the finals.

Jumping Contest Rules

1. Racing contests rules 1-4 also apply to the Jumping Contest.

2. Each frog will be permitted three jumps.  The distance from the starting point to the point where the frog lands on the third jump will be measured to determine the winner.

On stage, when the call of Ils Sonte Parti is sounded, the frogs will be off and hopping, jumping and leaping – hopefully toward the finish line, but you never know!

Lions’ Frog Derby Features Pretty Jockeys

Always a crowd pleaser, the Rayne Lions Club Frog Derby will begin at 10:30am on Saturday, November 13th, under the Pavilion stage at the annual Rayne Frog Festival.  The event began in 1946 as part of the Crowley Rice Festival and moved home to Rayne when the Frog Festival began 38 years ago.

The event features a “best dressed frog” competition in which each jockey dresses her frog in a unique, handmade costume.  The beautiful jockeys also dress in pastel-colored shorts with suspenders, coordinating checkered blouses and matching caps to jump their frogs in competition.

Concluding the colorful event is the crowning of the Frog Derby queen.  It’s too much fun to miss!

2012 Scheduled Musical Performances

Thursday, 11/8

7:30pm     Wayne Toups & Zydecajun

Friday, 11/9

7:00pm     Musical Entertainment

8:30pm     Musical Entertainment

10:30pm   Musical Entertainment

Saturday, 11/10     

4:30pm     Musical Entertainment

6:30pm     Musical Entertainment

8:30pm     Musical Entertainment

10:30pm  Musical Entertainment

Click on any of the photos below to view highlights from 2009

(Click on an image below to enlarge)

Photos courtesy of TSR Photography

Miller Spectacular Shows

The Miller family has five generations and more than 100 years of experience in the carnival business.

It all started in 1906 when the great-grandfather, Gene Miller, of current owner Fred Miller, formed Miller Concession based out of Little Rock, Ark. The business started by providing food for fairs across the country. The little business eventually grew when Gene’s son, Burt Miller, began managing carnivals and buying equipment.

The success evolved into creating their own carnival: Miller’s Gala Exposition Show, which started in 1958. From there the named changed to Miller Brothers Spectacular in the 1970’s to Miller Spectacular Shows in 1983.

Now Fred Miller, his son and father Johnny Miller, run the business. “It all started years ago with seven food operations,” Miller said. Now he owns 55 rides.

With multiple rides, games and food trailers, Miller said placement becomes key. Miller said there is only so much space to layout all the equipment so he usually comes to the fairgrounds a week prior to the event, looks at how much space he has, then uses computer generated layouts to place rides, concession stands, games, generators and trailers to maximize space for function. The team of subcontractors, workers and ride engineers set up and test all the machines in about four days.

“We can do it in a day if we have to,” Miller said.

With more families staying home and not going out on vacations, Miller said attendance at fairs and festivals have generally increased.

“There’s something for all ages,” he said.

Life on the road is normal for the Miller family. There is new scenery every two weeks and it never gets boring. Days early and end well after midnight.

But even with the long hours, the Millers say they have some of the best jobs around.

“We are in the business of fun!"

Photos courtesy of TSR Photography