Special to The Hays Daily News

DAMAR -- On Saturday, the Happy Frog Pond in Damar had its grand opening celebration.

Kaylon Roberts, owner of the building, dedicated the establishment to ancestors who experienced long hours of hard work and many hardships.

At the end of the week, they took time to gather together, relax and enjoy themselves.

Roberts asked that everyone thank Patti Snowberger, the new licensed operator for the Happy Frog Pond.

Roberts recognized the people who worked on refurbishing the building:

* The Benoit family, Richard, Don, Kyle, Tom and Randall, who volunteered their equipment and time to haul away the old block wall and brought in sand and dirt to complete landscaping.

* Dustin Christiansen Construction, Dustin, Scott and Ralph, who helped replace the roof with a metal one. They also framed and built support for the walls and floors.

* The Newell family, Brian, Kenny and Harold. Brian Newell, with helper Dustin Symond of Newell Electric and Plumbing, rebuilt the electrical, plumbing, lighting and sound systems. Harold and Kenny volunteered handiwork.

* Ivan Normandin and Ryan Wells of Normandin Heating and Air Conditioning rebuilt the venting and heating system.

* Donald Normandin finished drywall and also acted as inspector and part-time supervisor.

* Kirk and Treva Johnson helped beautify the floors with a special finish.

* Dan Zahn and his equipment operators from Dan's Dirt Works demolished and hauled away the boxcar and attached building.

* Scott Garcia, Mertle and a crew did the cement work on the outdoor courtyard floor and sidewalk.

* David Davignon and Bryan Simoneau provided the vehicles for disposal services.

* Gene and Kirk Hamel and sons hauled and provided sand for the courtyard.

* Leverett Marcotte helped to install doors.

* Clyde Rohr and his crew cut through the block wall to provide an opening for a outside door.

* Jim and Paula Desbien put up the large awning in front and painted it.

* Roberts' five brothers for their labor, help and support in many ways.

* Art Normandin and Doug Barber, who tore down block and cement walls, removed trees and waste, rebuilt the basement cellar, rebuilt the cooler, insulated walls and painted inside and outside the building.

Everyone toasted Roberts for all of his hard work and dedication, and for giving the community a great place to gather, relax and catch up with friends.

The Happy Frog Pond is a non-smoking establishment open from 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and is located on Main Street in Damar. On Saturday, the Happy Frog Pond will have karaoke, pinochle every Tuesday night and poker every Wednesday night.