“They feel like family when they come:” Frog Follies gathers people of all ages for second day

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. (WEHT) — 2,500 hot rods all built before 1949 descend on Vanderburgh County this weekend as a part of the 49th E’Ville Iron Frog Follies event.

It’s bringing people to the Tri-State from all over the country. These people are out admiring the street rods, making memories at the Vanderburgh County 4-H Center and reminiscing on past Frog Follies.

“Probably when my kids were growing up. We used to take them and throw them in the car and come down here. At that time we used to stay at the old Holiday Inn out here on the end of town down here,” says Ron Harris from Effingham, Illinois. “And them kids would just have a ball. They get the speakers on the radio and they’d dance and carry on until all hours of the night.”

The rodders here feel like family.

“Some of them been coming for 40 years, and when we see them, we immediately recognize them. And they feel like family when they come because it is that kind of bond that we’ve created with this thing over the years,” says E’Ville Iron President Mike Wagner.

That’s 49 years and counting here at Frog Follies, and all are anticipating the summertime and the sound of hot rods.

A few returning to the Tri-State are Fred Drew and James Fisher from Ontario, Canada and Texas, respectively.

“”People down here are great. I’ve met people all over the years, and if I don’t come here, I won’t get to see them again,” Drew says.

“Frog Follies is a special event. It’s not held anywhere else. There are other big shows, but this has it’s unique opportunity. Plus you get a really good turnout and the people treat you right. And it’s handled and organized extremely well,” Fisher says.

Meanwhile, Easterseals Child Ambassador Eleanor Daywalt is visiting for her first time. She’s judging some of the vehicles.

There’s still time to soak up the fun. Frog Follies lasts until Sunday.

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