The people of Vaughan were out in force recently to witness the city’s yearly plastic frog race.
The spring arrival of the real amphibious creatures in rivers, lakes and ponds across the region is often a welcome sight after a long Canadian winter, and the artificial frog race, which is organized by the Rotary Club of Woodbridge, is one way people in the area choose to celebrate.
The race, which took place at the Humber River, saw members of the public purchasing their frogs for five dollars each. These were then put in the river and released at Woodbridge Avenue Bridge by Nick Marinelli and Ken Maynard.
A printing company in Vaughan was called upon before the event to create colorful decorations which marked the finish line behind the Woodbridge Memorial Arena. Event volunteers scooped up the floaters at the end of their journey down the river and the names of the winners were announced to the waiting crowd.
The frog race was not the only special event of the day, however. There was also a guided nature walk along the river, a delicious barbeque and an interactive snake display. The celebration of the area’s natural history gave members of the public a chance to learn more about the wildlife in this urban river system. There were also crafts for the children, and a frog shaped cake.
The fun-filled and educational afternoon was sponsored by Historic Wallace House, the Rotary Club of Woodbridge and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. Proceeds from the frog race will be used to help support the Rotarians in their community enrichment activities.
