Nothing is more synonymous with Willimantic than the frogs on the city’s iconic bridge. Last week, city officials had enormous face masks created and placed on the frogs to encourage residents to wear their own masks. A few days later, Governor Ned Lamont issued an executive order that requires people to wear masks. Lamont spoke about Willimantic’s frogs in a news briefing. The whimsical frogs continue to put a smile on everyone’s face, even during these difficult times.
The governor’s comments about the frogs can be viewed below:
My story in the Chronicle about the frogs is below:
WILLIMANTIC — The town’s most beloved mascots are also taking the importance of protective attire during the coronavirus to heart.
The four frogs on the Thread City Crossing bridge, commonly referred to as the Frog Bridge, have recently donned protective face masks.
Windham Director of Code Enforcement Matthew Vertefeuille said he first thought of the idea to put masks on the frogs.
“We’re trying to spread the message about wearing face masks in the community,” Vertefeuille said. “Anytime people are out, we should be wearing face coverings.
“We’re trying to think of different ways we could get that message across and do it in a way that is fun and exciting.”
Claire Tremont's Writing 