FELLSMERE — The City of Fellsmere is set to host its 35th annual Frog Leg Festival later this month, drawing visitors for a mix of Southern delicacies, carnival rides, and local entertainment in what organizers bill as the world’s largest event of its kind.
The four-day festival, in Indian River County, will be January 15th to January 18th at the Old School Complex at the corner of CR 512 and Broadway Street in Fellsmere, about 20 miles west of Vero Beach. Attendees can sample fried frog legs served on a stick, in generous portions with sides like grits, coleslaw, and hushpuppies, or by the pound. Alligator tail is also on the menu in similar formats, along with combo plates featuring both.
Festival Hours
- Thursday, Jan 15th & Friday, Jan 16th | 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Saturday, Jan 17th | 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Sunday, Jan 18th | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
All-You-Can-Ride Days
Attendees can purchase an armband and ride all night.
- Thursday, Jan 15th & Sunday, Jan 18th | Get your Armband for just $20
- Friday, Jan 16th & Saturday, Jan 17th | Get your Armband for $25
Carnival Rides (Ticket Pricing)
- 1 Ticket | $1.25
- 18 Tickets | $20
Food Schedule
- Thursday, Jan 15th & Friday, Jan 16th | 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Saturday, Jan 17th | 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday, Jan 18th | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Frog Legs
Frog legs come from the back legs of frogs and are considered a fancy treat in lots of different cultures. They have a subtle, soft flavor that’s kind of a cross between chicken and fish, with a mouthfeel like chicken wings or maybe scallops. Plus, they’re packed with protein.
- A frog pop is a great way to sample a frog; it consists of one frog leg on a stick. ($5)
- The Frog Leg Dinner offers a generous portion of frog legs served with hushpuppies, grits, and coleslaw. ($18)
- A Frog Pounder comes with a full pound of delicious frog legs, but no sides. ($17)
Gator Tail
The tail meat from alligators gets cut from their powerful rear section, and it’s a big hit down in the southern states, mostly in that spicy Cajun style. Tastes pretty mild, like a mix of chicken and fish, with a tough, chewy bite that’s close to veal or maybe pork loin. And yeah, it’s crammed with good, lean protein.
- Gator Pops are best for beginners. It’s the perfect way to try out alligator with a couple of chunks of gator tail on a stick. ($5)
- A Gator Tail Dinner comes with a large portion of gator tail served with grits, coleslaw, and hushpuppies. ($18)
- The Gator Pounder is a pound of delicious gator tail, served with no sides. ($17)
Combos & Sides
- Frog Legs & Gator Tail Combo – A generous portion of gator tail and frog legs served with grits, coleslaw, and hushpuppies. ($20)
- Extra side orders – Hushpuppies, coleslaw, or grits. ($3 each)
Drive-Thru (Cash Only)
They will also offer a drive-thru pickup at 21 S Cypress Street. Enter the drive-thru line off South Cypress Street and follow the “Take-Out” signs to place your order, pay, and pick up your meals.
Entertainment Schedule
Thursday
- 4:00pm – 6:00 pm | Johnny Debt
- 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | NextLevel
Friday
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Becks Brotherhood
- 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | James Holler
Saturday
- 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Kat Woods
- 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Fellsmere Elementary Music Club Performance
- 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Chemistry
Sunday
- 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Penny Creek Band
- 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Vinyl Signs
Rides, Food & Games
The roller coasters and amusements for all ages range from $3.75 to $5.00, or 3 to 4 tickets. Games and prizes will also be available. Cost to play is cash-only.
Additional Food Options
Corn dogs, Funnel cakes, Cheesesteaks, Pizza, Turkey legs, Gyros, Hot dogs, Burgers, Kabobs, and fried Snickers will range from $5 to $12.50, or 4 to 10 tickets per item.
For more information about the Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival, visit their website, call 772-571-3022, or email them at froglegfestival@gmail.com.
Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival
The Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival is put on by local residents and volunteers from the City of Fellsmere as a fundraiser for the city’s recreation department, supporting youth programs and community needs, with the city government and numerous volunteer organizations working together annually since its inception in 1990.
