While most small towns celebrate their heritage with typical festivals, Loveland’s unique claim to fame is its mysterious frog-like creature. The Loveland Frog has captured local imagination for years, inspiring an annual festival that brings together cryptid enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike.
The Loveland Frog legend transforms a small town’s festival scene, drawing cryptid hunters and locals to celebrate this amphibious mystery.
You’ll find the festival’s spirit embodied in its colorful parade, led by a kilted Pied Piper playing bagpipes. The March 1, 2025 celebration features costumed participants, including a towering bipedal frog and children sporting frog-themed accessories, creating a whimsical atmosphere that brings the legend to life.
Jeff Craig, the festival’s founder and organizer, started this tradition in 2023. As a cartographer with a passion for the paranormal, he’s combined his love for mapmaking with cryptid culture.
Craig’s involvement extends beyond organizing – you’ll spot him actively participating in the parade and engaging with festival-goers.
The festival draws amateur cryptozoologists and vendors from across the region. You’ll discover an array of unique merchandise, from handcrafted needle felt Frogmen to themed prints and oracle decks.
Local artisans showcase their interpretations of various cryptids, including the famous Mothman and Fresno Nightcrawlers.
Throughout the day, you can attend keynote speeches, watch puppet shows, and even vote on your belief in the Loveland Frog’s existence. The festival creates a welcoming space for both serious cryptid researchers and those who simply enjoy the mystery of local legends.
The event’s success lies in its ability to unite diverse groups through shared curiosity about the unknown. While the Loveland Frog might seem like a mild-mannered cryptid compared to more notorious legends, it’s become a beloved symbol of local folklore.
The festival demonstrates how a community can embrace its unique heritage, turning a mysterious creature sighting into a celebration that brings people together year after year.
Through Craig’s dedication and the community’s enthusiasm, the Loveland Frogman Festival continues to grow, preserving and sharing this intriguing piece of local folklore for future generations.