Visitors enjoy ‘Hoppin’ Good Time’ at 2015 Frog Festival

Frogs were hopping and so were their handlers as the annual Frog Jumping and Racing Contest took center stage around high noon during the 2015 Annual Rayne Frog Festival.
A large number of entries were recorded for the event, including everyone from toddlers to the young at heart, and from Rayne to the points around the world. To participate, participants had the option of “frog racing” or “frog jumping.” A small rental fee is paid to the Rayne Jaycees, who again co-sponsored the annual event with the Rayne Acadian-Tribune. All frogs must be named in order to participate.
On stage, when the call of "Ils Sonte Parti" was sounded, the frogs are off and hopping, jumping and leaping, hopefully toward the finish line -- but you never know -- when seated in the front row, many received a “hopping” surprise.
Serving as emcee of the 2015 contest was Dommie Perez, assisted by members of the Rayne Jaycees and staff of the Rayne Acadian-Tribune.
2015 Children and Adult Contests winners were:
Children's Jumping: 1st place Natalie Brace and frog Emily at 105 inches, 2nd place Anni Mire and frog Spice at 104 inches, and London Bourque and frog What at 87 inches.
Children's Racing: 1st place Anni Mire and frog Spice, 2nd place London Bourque and frog A Frog, 3rd place McKenna Sellers and frog Alyssa.
Adult Jumping: 1st place Theo Windsor and frog Big Bertha at 108 inches, 2nd place Jensie Borel and frog Elsie with a distance of 104 inches, Jami Griffin and frog Creole with a distance of 95 inches.
Adult Racing: 1st place Kolby Richard and frog Hurricane, 2nd place Tori Mato and frog Fred, 3rd place Debbie Cross and frog Elvis.

By Lisa Soileaux
Assistant Editor
Rayne Acadian-Tribune