"Frogs and Hogs' gives back to area veterans

(From left) Ron Aungerer and Shawn Mullins, both of Fulton, and Joe Cox of Jefferson City talk near their motorcycles Friday at the ninth annual Frogs and Hogs Festival in Mokane.
(From left) Ron Aungerer and Shawn Mullins, both of Fulton, and Joe Cox of Jefferson City talk near their motorcycles Friday at the ninth annual Frogs and Hogs Festival in Mokane.

MOKANE - The ninth annual Frogs and Hogs festival kicked off Friday as motorcycle enthusiasts poured into Mokane and cooks tested their skills in the "Wing Ding" cookoff.

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Later that evening, local band Misledd played classic rock hits for the crowd of hundreds and men showed off in the Mr. Pot Belly competition while women strut in the Ms. Frog Legs contest.

People also flocked to the area for a car and bike show, bike games and poker run on Saturday.

The highlight of the weekend, though, for event organizer and Sons of Amvets commander Billy Spencer - as it has been for the past eight years - is seeing veterans have a special day to "remember the good old days."

"It's one time vets get to go out and do what they used to do," Spencer said.

Veterans from the Mexico Veterans Home traveled to Mokane Saturday for a free lunch and to enjoy the company of those in attendance.

The event was sponsored by the Amvets and Sons of Amvets Post No. 153 and all proceeds will go to the Mexico Veterans Home, Jefferson Barracks among other veterans groups.

Robert Goage, veteran at the Mexico Veterans Home who attended last year's Frogs and Hogs, said he enjoys seeing people have a good time.

"I really looked forward to coming back this year," Goage said.

Nicole Maggard, Mexico Veterans Home activity aide, said this was the third time the veterans have attended.

"They treat them like they're their very own," Maggard said. "They always welcome them with open arms."

In addition, Maggard said the veterans have a chance to eat an unusual meaty treat.

"It's not every day they get to eat frog legs," she said.