How Many FrogFests Can You Remember
How many FrogFests can you remember? As Central New York's longest-running summer concert series hits the big 3-oh, many of us are reflecting back on just how many we can remember. For Polly and myself, FrogFest marks an important anniversary.
Years tend to fly by when "remembering." And for the longest time, whenever someone asked how long we had lived in CNY, we would count using FrogFests. Our first weekend in town was FrogFest, what a way to be welcomed into the Big Frog Family. So here goes the remembering:
2007 Mark Chesnutt
1st weekend in town. I remember his tour manager asked the boss on how to get back to the Thruway and she offered to have him follow her. Later he was extremely rude to her (on more than one occasion) and she said find your own way out.
2008 Josh Gracin
1st FrogFest that we were involved in planning. I remember the boss's husband saying it was the "greatest FrogFest ever, I don't know how you'll ever top it." It also marked what would become a friendship with Trailer Choir.
2009 Keith Anderson
Maybe the worst FrogFest not because of Keith Anderson, but it rained all day. I remember at the end of a wet and weary day, we were packed up and headed out when Keith's bus got stuck.
2010 Josh Turner
Biggest FrogFest at Verona Beach. I remember arriving before sunrise and vehicles stretched from the park entrance as far as you could see. And in the middle of the line was Josh's trailer truck of equipment.
2011 Rodney Atkins
1st FrogFest away from Verona Beach and our 1st Rodeo. I remember the crowd singing "If You're Going Through Hell" and him passing the microphone through the crowd to sing.
2012 Easton Corbin and Josh Thompson
Our 1st double headliners. I remember how down to earth Josh Thompson was even though he's a Packers fan. And all the girls swooned for pretty boy, "Easton Corbin."
At the time, the best FrogFest ever. The memory isn't really about the show, although there were plenty of moments, like CNY fans blowing his mind chanting U.S.A, U.S.A. But to this day Justin still talks about the Dodge Neon parked outside the gates that had been muddin'. James Wesley arrives at the stage on a tractor.
Last FrogFest at Herkimer County Fairgrounds. Sad memory, the last show for Gloriana as a band. Great memory, The Hogan boys from Cooperstown sing "Rockin' The Beer Gut" on stage with Trailer Choir.
Biggest stage ever at FrogFest with 18 video screens. I remember many fans saying they came to see Tyler Farr and couldn't believe how good Thompson Square was, I remember how pretty Shawna is.
1st FrogFest at Utica Rome Speedway and sadly the last time we would get to see Troy Gentry. It would also be our last full-fledged rodeo. Lots of memories, Lindsay Ell playing with a cast on a broken leg and Eric Paslay's girlfriend helping clean up after the show.
1st FrogFest with more of an amphitheatre feel at the back of the Utica Rome Speedway. Memories, so many. We knew Chris could wail on the harmonica, but no idea about his amazing drum solo and he even shared his love with CNY as he left town. And how could you forget New Hartford Native Alexandria Corn returning from California to perform on the stage after being in the crowd at FrogFest for 5 years.
1st FrogFest with Cornhole Tournament to benefit St Jude. Sure to be a great show including 5 CNY country acts all for just $20 in advance $25 day of show. Tickets available at all Price Chopper Stores or online. And plenty of memories to be made.
If nothing else this exercise has shown me how far the internet has come in 11 years, and just how bad my memory can be. The memory was good on all the acts but somewhat confused on the correct order. How many ForgFests can you remember? Share your FrogFest memories below or on our FaceBook page.
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