Happy National Frog Jumping Day!!

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Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. Today is National Frog Jumping Day so I thought it would be fun to do a little digging into this fun observance.

Frog jumping contests have a deep-rooted history in many cultures, but the tradition is particularly strong in the United States, where it turned into a popular pastime during the Gold Rush era. Miners would gather to watch the frogs they caught from nearby streams compete, leaping towards victory and providing a momentary escape from the daily rigors of mining. It was a simple contest: whoever’s frog jumped the farthest, won. This lighthearted competition was not only a test of luck but also a demonstration of one’s ability to spot potential in the most unlikely contestants.

Then, of course, there’s Mark Twain’s “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” The Civil War put an end to Twain’s time as a river boat pilot. Afterwards he spent some time in Nevada and California, where he continued to write, primarily as a reporter.  But he also occasionally mined for silver and gold, and it was during his work with the miners that he first heard the story of a jumping frog.

In 1865, he wrote the now famous short story under the original title “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog,”  The story was immensely popular and was published all over the United States. This short story brought Twain considerable attention and to this day is still considered an important piece of American literature. In the story, Twain, with his characteristic wit and humor, tells the tale of Jim Smiley, a man who would bet on anything, including frog jumping. Smiley’s frog, named Dan’l Webster, was no ordinary amphibian; he was trained to jump high and long. However, in a twist of fate and a bit of cunning from a competitor, Dan’l Webster meets his match through a bellyful of quail shot, proving that in gambling and frog jumping, anything can happen.

Today frog jumping contests are held across the country, with the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee being one of the most famous. Participants of all ages gather with their trained (or sometimes just lucky) frogs to compete for titles and prizes. These events are filled with laughter, excitement, and an enthusiasm that harkens back to simpler times.

Whether you choose to read Twain’s famous tale, attend a local frog jumping contest, or simply spend some time outdoors appreciating the agility of these fascinating creatures, National Frog Jumping Day is a perfect time to celebrate the lighter side of life.

Here are some additional facts and trivia related to frog jumping:

  • How the Contests work – Each contest may have its own specific set of rules and traditions, but the general principle of measuring the jumping distance to determine the winner is consistent across most frog jumping competitions.
      • Number of Jumps – Frogs are often allowed a set number of jumps, commonly three consecutive leaps, from a designated starting point. The total distance covered over these jumps is measured.
      • Measuring the Distance – The distance is typically measured from the starting point to the point where the frog lands on its third jump. The frog that jumps the farthest total distance is declared the winner. In some contests, each individual leap is measured, and then the distances are summed to get the total distance.
      • Starting the Jump – The frog is placed on a pad or a similar starting point. Handlers are not allowed to touch the frogs once they have started jumping, but they can encourage them to leap by shouting or gently prodding the ground behind them.
      • Keeping Within Bounds – In some contests, if a frog jumps outside a designated lane or area, that jump may not count, or the frog might be disqualified. This rule ensures that all jumps are measured within a controlled and fair environment.
      • Handling Rules – Handlers generally have rules about how much they can interact with the frogs. Excessive handling or influencing the direction of the jump can lead to penalties or disqualification.
      • Safety and Welfare – Rules are also in place to ensure the safety and humane treatment of the frogs. This includes regulations on how frogs are handled, kept, and released after the event.
  • Oldest and Longest Continuously Run Contest – The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is arguably the most famous frog jumping contest, inspired by Mark Twain’s story. It began in 1928 and has run almost every year since then, making it one of the oldest and longest continuously held frog jumping contests in the world.
  • Record for the Longest Frog Jump – The record for the longest frog jump in the United States is held by a frog named “Rosie the Ribeter.” Rosie jumped an impressive 21 feet 5.75 inches in three consecutive leaps at the Calaveras County Fair in 1986, setting a record that still stands today.
  • Frog Jumping Day Worldwide – While the most well-known events are held in the United States, similar contests and celebrations occur globally, reflecting the universal appeal of these likable creatures. Countries like the United Kingdom and France have their versions of frog racing and jumping contests, often as part of village festivals or educational conservation events.
  • A Wide Variety of Competitors – The types of frogs entered in these contests vary greatly, from the local bullfrogs to exotic species. However, regulations are often in place to protect native species and ensure humane treatment of all participants.
  • Impact on Pop Culture – Frog jumping contests have not only inspired literary works like those of Mark Twain but have also been featured in movies, television shows, and even video games, showcasing their cultural impact beyond mere competitive events.
      • Literature – Beyond Twain, frog jumping contests have inspired various children’s books and stories that capture the playful spirit of these events. For example, “The Frog Jumping Contest” by Lang Campbell is a children’s book that depicts an array of animal characters participating in a frog jumping contest, emphasizing themes of friendship and community.
      • Film and Television – The concept of a frog jumping contest has been used as a plot element in several TV shows and films, often as a backdrop for community gatherings or comedic relief. For instance, in an episode of “Gilmore Girls,” a frog jumping contest is used as a key event in the annual Stars Hollow Spring Fling, adding charm and whimsy to the storyline.
      • Video Games – The idea of frogs jumping has been incorporated into various video games, sometimes as mini-games within larger games where players can bet on which frog will jump the farthest or manage their own frog to win races or jumping contests. This mechanic is used in games like “Stardew Valley,” where players can participate in seasonal festivals that include frog jumping contests. And of course there was the 1981 arcade game Frogger where the player had to guide five frogs through traffic and across a stream to arrive “home”
      • Educational Programs – Some educational TV programs and web content use frog jumping contests as a fun way to teach physics and biology concepts, such as muscle power and biomechanics, to children. These segments often include real-life demonstrations with frogs or animations to explain how and why frogs can jump such great distances.
      • Advertising – Frog jumping contests have also been used in advertising campaigns to evoke a sense of fun and nostalgia. For example, companies selling outdoor or garden products might use images of frogs or a frog jumping contest to highlight the joy of spending time outdoors.

And as a final note I actually had a frog jumping contest in one of my books. It was the third book I published, Whatever It Takes. It was published by the now defunct Dorchester Books so it is currently out of print. However I hope to bring it back before the end of the year by publishing it myself.

In the meantime, do you have any experience with frog jumping contests? Or frogs in general? Is there any tidbit in my post above that caught you by surprise? Have you read The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by Mark Twain?

Leave me a comment to be entered in a drawing for your choice of any of my books.

 

 

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Winnie Griggs is the author of Historical (and occasionally Contemporary) romances that focus on Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace. She is also a list maker, a lover of dragonflies and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination.
Three of Winnie’s books have been nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and one of those nominations resulted in a win.
Winnie loves to hear from readers. You can connect with her on facebook at www.facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author or email her at winnie@winniegriggs.com.

51 thoughts on “Happy National Frog Jumping Day!!”

  1. Although I’ve read The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, I don’t really have any experience with frog jumping contests. It was interesting to me that they became a sport at gold panning sites.

  2. I have not had any experience other than the dogs trying to grab them and getting a frothy mouth for doing so – we have a small town nearby called Roachdale – they had roach races there!

  3. Thanks for the interesting post. I haven’t had any experience with frog jumping contests and not with frogs in general either. I haven’t read The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.

  4. I have heard of this day, but never participated. Oh but I had no idea with all the rules. Makes since though. I grew up in the Mojave desert until I was in high school. So moving back here into IL, I was then introduced to many frogs. So much fun. No I have not read the book. Wrote it down so I can go check it out now. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

  5. I read Twain’s story many years ago, and I’ve seen them mentioned on the news and TV shows, I’ve never had experience with one.

  6. I’ve never participated in frog anything, except dissecting a frog in school. Frogs aren’t my favorite, though I do like the acronym Forever Relying on God. I guess humans will do a lot of different things for entertainment! lol!! And, of course, I know people who eat frog legs, though I haven’t tried them!

  8. I have never been to a frog jumping or been around frogs other then they hang out by our pond. Sometimes the cats will get one but other then that no frog jumping here.

  9. I found your info on frog jumping extremely interesting, however I have never seen a frog jumping contest.

  10. I may have read Mark Twain’s book years ago but need to read it again. When we had our pond, we usually had at least one frog but now that it’s gone, so are the frogs..

  11. We read Mark Twain’s story in school. It was one of my favorites! We have a pond at my house so we have a ton of frogs, but I’ve never been to a frog jumping contest. I did enter a turtle in a race once and we won!

  12. I’m amazed to learn the popularity of frog jumping and such interesting history. Thanks for sharing.

    I dropped out of biology class when I found out they wanted me to dissect a frog and a worm. No can do EEEW

    Kool about Kim Hamptons turtle race!

  14. I live in Arkansas and the first weekend in May they have Toad Suck Days in Conway. They have frog jumping contest. It has been going on for over 30 years. It is a lot of fun.

  15. Neat post. I have no experience with frog jumping contests but I’ve seen them on tv shows. My mother always told us to be careful picking up frogs because if they peed on you it could cause a wart. I found a lot of the facts you shared interesting. I’ve not read that book by Mark Twain. Thank you for the chance to win a prize.

  16. Really surprised that a frog can jump 21 feet. That would be something to see. I have necer seen a contest with frogs.

  17. I like frogs… had a few small ones for my fish tank when I was a kid. Never participated or watched a frog jumping contest though…

  18. The first time I heard about the frog jumping competition was on an episode of Dennis the Menace. I didn’t know it was a yearly thing, though. This was so interesting.

  20. Today is also my 35th wedding anniversary! I am happy to share it with national frog jumping day. FROG means to Fully Rely On God! I used this saying as classroom decorations when I taught Sunday School in Texas.

  21. I haven’t read the Mark Twain story nor seen a frog jumping contest. We had a pond on our farm when we were growing up. There were a lot of bullfrogs, big ones. We would kill them sometimes and my mom would fry the legs in butter. I thought they tasted good and yes, a little like chicken. I don’t know the reason but we were told if we were going to eat them we needed the white bellied ones not the yellow bellied.

    • I had some cousins growing up who used to hunt for bullfrogs so we could have frog legs, it was considered a treat. Not sure about the white or yellow-bellied characterization, I haven’t heard that before

  22. I don’t recall reading the Mark Twain story yet. I think I’ve seen frog jumping contests on TV like Like Little House on the Prairie and Dr Quinn Medicine Woman. I love Gilmore Girls and I can’t remember that scene! I don’t really see any frogs but in the spring/summer, I hear them at night when I have my window open and it sounds nice(even kind of musical).

  24. We have not been to any organized frog jumping contests, but our children and their friends at times have done their own.
    In the mid-1980’s we were living in the Sacramento, CA area and had two Japanese high school students staying with us for part of the summer. One weekend we took a trip up to Calaveras County. It wasn’t during the frog jumping competition, but they had a frog statue the kids could climb on and get pictures taken. I am not sure it is even there anymore. I do remember there was some information about Twain’s story and the jumping contest. It was a lovely area and we had an enjoyable time. I think I read the story, but if I did it was a long time ago.

  25. It’s been so long since I read the story that I’ll have to re-read it to refresh my memory. I don’t recall any such contests in the part of MD (right outside S.E. Washington, D.C.) where I grew up and these type frogs aren’t native to my current geographic milieu (the high desert of CA, the Mojave).

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