The largest pre-1949 independent street rod event in the nation is happening this weekend.

The 49th Annual Frog Follies

Every year thousands of street rods head into the Evansville area for the Frog Follies. The Frog Follies began in 1974 when some street rod fanatics put an ad in the newspaper hoping to get some folks together at Wesselman Woods Park to meet fellow car enthusiasts. By the end of the day the idea for E'ville Iron Street Rods began, and the group started meeting regularly in 1975. According to the Frog Follies website, the first street rod show was held in August of 1975 at the Vanderburgh County 4H center, and they had about 50 street rods show up.

Photo Courtesy of Ryan L.

What started as a small event of 50 cars has grown over the years into the largest independent street rod event in the country, the Frog Follies which draws in around 3,000 street rods each year. The event also helps to support numerous local non-profits.

Photo Courtesy of Ryan L.

Why is it Called the Frog Follies?

I always wondered how the Frog Follies got its name, and it turns out the first event was called "Rod Fest" but they wanted to change the name to attract more people. At the first Rod Fest they had a bullfrog jumping contest, and it was a hit, this is what sparked the idea for Frog Follies.

As the event grew, club members discussed rebranding the Rod Fest in efforts to attract more street rodders and spectators. Club members rallied and brainstormed and decided to name the event after the infamous bullfrog jumping contest held at the first Rod Fest. Hence, Frog Follies Rod Run as we know it today was created.

And don't worry, 49 years later, the frog jumping contest still takes place every year!

Photo Courtesy of Ryan L.

Frog Follies 2024

If you're ready to check out some incredible street rods, a massive vendor area, and support some great local non-profit organizations, you'll want to head out to the Vanderburgh County 4H Center this weekend.

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The 49th annual Frog Follies will be taking place August 23, 24, and 25th. For full information on Frog Follies, check out the website, here.

LOOK: Cool Car Features We Kind of Miss

Kids these days don't know what they're missing out on! But hey, let's be real, some of those old car features were pretty awesome. Yeah, they might've been a bit risky and even tried to kill us, but they made our rides feel way cooler.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz