County Fairs are a time honored tradition where communities gather to celebrate the things that make them unique. The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is no exception to this rule.
History
The frog jumping event is one of the longest in the State of California, dating back to 1893. The first frog jumping competition was held in Copperopolis, but it eventually found a permanent home outside of Angels Camp in Calaveras County.
Event Details
The Frog Jumping Competition begins on the first day of the Fair. Entrants can choose two levels of competition – jumping for fun on the Lily Pad stage or more serious jumping to qualify for the International Frog Jump Finals. Contestants seek the perfect jump to qualify in competitions that run through Sunday morning of the Fair. The International Frog Jump Grand Finals are held Sunday afternoon with the top fifty jumps from the four days of competition as well as a few other sanctioned jumps. Contestants are able to enter their own frog, or use one of the local California bullfrogs housed at the Fair’s famed” Frog Spa.”
The Frog Spa
The Frog Spa is open for fair-goer tours daily throughout the run of the fair. All frogs housed at the spa are pampered and treated with the utmost care and respect. The spa is overseen by the California Fish and Game Commission, which became involved in the event in 1933 to regulate and protect the welfare of the California bullfrog. In 1995 the Board of Directors of the 39th District Agricultural Association adopted the Frog Welfare Policy underscoring the Fair’s commitment to humane treatment of the frogs.
Winners
In addition to accolades from the local media and jumping fans, winners of the frog jump competition take home a plaque commemorating their achievements and are inducted into the Angels Camp’s Frog Hop Hall of Fame. They also receive $900 in cash winnings and a trophy. If the winner beats the world record jump of 21-feet 5-3/4 inches, held since 1986 by Lee Guidici and his frog Rosie the Ribiter, they will become the new National Champion and win $5,000 in cash.
The County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is just one reason why Calaveras County is such a great place to live. Contact Century 21 Sierra Properties to learn more about this amazing community.
