Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
He's not called the Frog Man for nothing.
For the last 12 years, Bill Haywood, who lives south of Silver Lake, has hopped after wild amphibians through the swamps and marshes of Kosciusko County.
His cache of giant bullfrogs and athletic-looking striped and spotted frogs became participants in the annual Frog Jumping contest at the Kosciusko County 4-H and Community Fair.
They're released after they've done their duty.
Haywood brought about 30 jumpers to the activity tent Wednesday and soon had a crowd of kids huddled around a big plastic tub full of water, where the frogs rested before and between races.
Haywood's wife, Crissy, assists him on his annual frog hunts, and this year the couple, along with Bill's father, Bob, had an easy time of it.
They were given permission to fish for frogs in the Stonehenge Golf Course ponds, which were, Haywood said, nice and clean.
It takes about 2-1/2 hours to collect a good group of jumpers.
Haywood said the bad freeze cut down on the frog population somewhat, although those assembled seemed lively enough when the races began.
Traditionally the contest begins with a kiss for good luck - smack on top of a bull frog's head. This year's Fair Queen Stephanie Wilson, Miss Teen Litasha Blair and First Runner-up Teen Renee Sinclair blessed the race with a smooch.
Saturday is the last day of the fair, and registration for the Semi Truck Show and Shine ends at noon.
Forrester and Friends provide singing entertainment from noon until 3 p.m. in the activity tent.
The Amarillo Star Line Dancers perform at 4 p.m. in the activity tent, with Shotgun taking the stage at 7 p.m.
Also at 7 p.m. the second evening of the NTPA Super Semi Nationals begins at the grandstand.
Fair drawings winners are announced at 10 p.m. in the activity tent.
