It was the summer of 1865 and Calaveras County was a booming, roaring, mining frontier camp. The roads were bad and travel was slow, and so the miners did not go far for amusement. This was the setting for Mark Twains first published work, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County the story of a gambler named Jim Smiley.
Jim, a miner and gambler, paraded the streets with a basket under his arm, boasting about the ability of a certain frog. The local gambling houses, taverns and their proprietors all were acquainted with Jims tales. About this time, two slickers from New York arrived in town just ahead of an arrest warrant. They made their rounds to the gambling halls and such. On one of those occasions they had the fortune of meeting Jim Smiley and were subject to Jims boasting. The New Yorkers poked and prodded at Smiley until a contest and wager ensued.
Old Jim was easily distracted and left his prize frog, Danl Webster, in the care of the strangers who quietly filled Jims frog with buck shot. So you can guess the rest: the city slickers frog out-jumped poor Danl, and Jim lost $ 40 in gold.
Mark Twain, an up-and-coming American humorist who lived just across the Stanislaus River at Jackass Hill, was a frequent visitor to the Calaveras County mining camps. Local legend has it that he heard the tall tale from Ross Coon, the proprietor of the Angels Hotel. Some believe Twain was encouraged by Greek Mythology. Whatever the inspiration, Mark Twain inspired an 80-year-old tradition, the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee.
December 2011.pdf
2012 SR Book.pdf
2012 Livestock Entry Guide - 11-15-11.pdf
Kids Entry Page 2.pdf
Calaveras Idol Rules.doc
2012 Livestock Entry Guide - Entry Form.pdf
Western Horse Events.pdf
Outstanding Livestock Exhibitor application.docx
Daily Baked Goods Contest.pdf
Independent Exhibitor Registration Form.pdf
Youth Talent Show.pdf
Vendor Application.pdf
Calaveras County Fair Amateur Wine Compeition.pdf
Commerical Vendor.pdf
A Wine Entry Form.pdf
performance application.pdf
Showcase application.pdf
New Derby RUles.pdf
2011 Pro Wine Rules.pdf
Junior Fair Board Application.doc
Publication2.pdf
Saddle Queen General info..doc
Pageant Entry application.doc
Wine Entry Form.pdf
Agricultural fairs are becoming an institution of the country; they are useful in more ways than one; they bring us together, and thereby make us better acquainted, and better friends than we otherwise would be Abraham Lincoln, 1859
The top 50 frogs qualify for the International Frog Jump Grand Finals, which are held on Sunday afternoon of the Jubilee. The current worlds record was set in 1986 by Rosie the Ribeter. Rosie jumped 21 53/4. The cash prize for breaking the world record is $5000.
A DECADES LOOK BACK AT SOME OF OUR CHAMPIONS
2011- Kevin Daly, Bozos Frog Team, Sacrament jumping "It's Cheaper to Leap Her" 20'"
2001 - Lee Giudici of Santa Clara jumping "Greenbay Packers" 19'9"
1991 - Denny Matasci of Santa Clara jumping "Fun & Froglic" 18'9.5"
1981 - Henrietta Guidici of Los Altos, jumping "Golden Girl" 18'6"
1971 - Bill Moniz of Gustine jumping "Susie Q" 17'9.75"
1961 - Leonard Hall of San Jose College jumping "Lots a Bull" 15'1.5"
1951 - Louis Fischer of Stockton jumping "Perfect Circle" 15'6"
1941 - June Robinson of Stockton jumping "Worthless" 13'10"
1931 - Louis R. Fischer of Stockton jumping "Budweiser" 11'15"
The Frog Jumping Competition begins the Thursday, first day of the Jumping Frog Jubilee,. Contestants can choose to jump for fun on our smaller, Luly Pad stage, or jump to qualify for the finals. Jumping continues on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. The International Frog Jump finals are held on Sunday afternoon. The top 50 jumps from the four days of Fair (and some from santionced jumps) will be entered into the Grand Finals. Contestants can bring their own frog, or use one of ours. You get to name your frog and attempt to crown him/her the new champion!
The frogs jumped at the Jubilee live in our "Frog Spa" during the four days of Fair. The Frog Spa is open for tours daily. They are treated with the upmost care and respect.
In 1933 the California Fish and Game Commission became involved in order 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 Fairs commitment to treat the frogs in a humane manner.
Professional Frog Teams travel from all over the state to compete. Past champions get to camp at our beautiful Frog Pond. If you are looking for some tips on how to jump, find one of our Frog Teams. They are true professionals!
The Jumping Frog Jubilee is held the 3rd weekend of every May. The Jubilee starts with a childrens parade in downtown Angels Camp and ends with a Destruction Derby on Sunday evening. The Calaveras County Fair has a unique history and a bright future.
In 1865, Samuel l. Clemens (Mark Twain) penned The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County , a tall tale of the life and happenings of the gold rush town, Angels Camp. The narrator details a story he heard in a tavern. It is about a frog, Danl Webster, who could out jump any other frog, and a man, Jim Smiley, who was the curiousest man about always betting on anything that turned up you ever see. The story was published and delighted audiences worldwide but didnt appear to have much impact on Calaveras County until much later.
Between the years of 1880-1893, Calaveras County was reassigned to five different agricultural societies. In 1893 the county was finally designated as the 39th District Agricultural Society and the first Calaveras County Fair was held. In the late 1800s and early 1900s the fair moved from ranch to ranch and township to township. Residents showed off their best-baked goods, canned goods, quilts and livestock.
It is assumed that the fair did not exist in the 1920s because of the lack of a facility. The state created the Division of Fairs and Expositions in 1937, with the tax revenue from pari-mutuel wagering on horse races. The state purchased the current fairgrounds in 1938 and the first partially government funded fair was held that year.
Meanwhile, the city of Angels Camp continued to function as a mining town, although it became incorporated as the City of Angels in 1902. Tents would line narrow, unpaved lanes which were rutted and in rough condition from years of wagon and stage coach use. As the town built up around them, the streets remained in their old state. By 1927, the residents were ready to remedy the deplorable condition of main street by passing a bond measure to finance a paved main street. The Angels Camp Boosters, a community service organization, which began in 1925 and still exists today, decided that a celebration was in order. Their original idea was to hold the Days of 49, but a visiting minister, the Reverend Brown, suggested they use the famous Mark Twain story theme. Therefore on May 19 and 20, 1928, the first Jumping Frog Jubilee was held on main street, down town Angels Camp. Due to the formidable efforts of this group of dedicated promoters, including the future Senator, Jesse M. Mayo, the attendance at the first Jumping Frog Jubilee was estimated to be 15,000. The festivities included a large parade featuring bands, wagons, floats and of course the Jumping Frog Contest. The winner was named Pride of San Joaquin, jockeyed by Louis Fisher of Stockton.
In the 1920s and early 1930s the crowds at the Annual Jumping Frog Jubilee grew to 25,000 spectators. The jubilee was suspended in 1933 because of the depression. In 1938 the two events, the County Fair and the Jumping Frog Jubilee were combined. Now over 50,000 people attend the four day event, and thousands of frogs are jumped. For the 2012 Fair, we expect to have close to 10,000 frog jump entries as the tradition and excitement grow.
A. Entry Forms:
An entry form must be purchased for each frog to be jumped.
No refunds on entry forms paid but not used.
Entry forms from previous years cannot be used.
By entering a frog, you agree to be photographed. Any photos will become the property of the Association and may be used in promotional efforts.
B. Frog Requirements:
Must be at least four inches (4) from nose to tail.
Must begin jump with all four (4) feet, including toes, on the eight inch (8) launch pad.
No substitutions.
Evidence of jumping the same frog twice will result in disqualification and forfeiture of prizes.
C. Jump Officials:
In the background -
Stage Manager oversees activity on the stage and has the final word in all situations.
Entry Clerk collects entry forms and processes them to present to the Announcer.
Recorders write jump results on entry forms.
Timekeeper mans the clock for one minute jump requirement.
Frog Handler moves rental frogs from buckets to individual jumpers.
Runners take frogs from the Frog Spa to the Stage and back.
On the stage Announcers, Stickmen, Measurers and Netters
D. Rotation of Entries:
Individuals/teams may enter a maximum of 20 frogs at one time.
Entry forms must be turned into the Entry Clerk. To submit additional entries, you must go to the end of the line.
Once a set of forms (maximum of 20) are handed to the Entry Clerk; no more can be added to that set of 20.
Entry Clerk takes the forms for each round and divides them into two groups:
• First five go into the 5 Stack slot on Recorders table. These cannot be touched or changed.
• Remaining entries in this round go into 15 Stack slot on Entry Board. With Entry Clerks approval and supervision these entries can be changed or removed until they reach the 5 Stack.
Entry Clerk hands entries from the 5 Stack to the Announcer.
Entry Clerk moves entries five at a time from the 15 Stack to the 5 Stack.
E. Team Staging:
Individuals/teams move onto the stage on a first-come, first-served basis.
First three teams take the three tables on stage and must exit off once their jumps are completed.
Stage Manager alerts those in next three positions of their impending jumps.
Once alerted, teams have two minutes to take their tables onto the stage.
Teams are not allowed to stack the line. Teams may occupy more than one table at discretion of the Stage Manager in cases of overlapping or delay in jump action.
F. Jump Measuring:
The distance will be measured on the third jump in a straight line from the center of the pad to the tail of the frog. A walk or skip is counted as a jump.
If a frog jumps into the Jockey or the Jockeys equipment, the frog will be disqualified.
If a frog jumps into other people or other peoples equipment on the stage, the Jockey may allow a re-jump or take the mark.
During the jump only the person jockeying the frog may move ahead of the launching pad.
Frog catchers shall be on the right or left-hand corners of the stage and cannot move until the frog has finished jumping.
The jump must occur within one (1) minute from start to finish. A one-minute clock will start when the Announcer announces the Jockeys name. If the jump is not completed within one (1) minute the horn will sound and the frog will be disqualified.
Touching the frog after it leaves the pad is cause for immediate disqualification.
All marks are final. Any interference by a participant or team member may be cause for disqualification.
Through the exibits program so many friends share recipes in our home arts department. The Fair encompasses family traditions and heritage. We would like to share some of those great recipes and traditions with you.
1. Grease a rimmed baking sheet
2. In a large microwave safe glass bowl, combine peanuts, sugar and light corn syrup. Microwave on high for 8 minutes, stirring at 4 minutes.
3. Add margarine and vanilla; microwave for 2 minutes
4. Add baking soda and stir until foamy. Pour mixture onto baking sheet. Allow to cool. Break up brittle. Makes 1 lb.
This recipe comes from Barbara Greenman's book, Blue Ribbon Recipes.
The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is one of the longest running events in the State of California. It earliest roots date back to 1893, held that year in Copperopolis, the fair eventually found a permanent home outside of Angels Camp. In the spirit of the old movie classic "State Fair," the Calaveras County Fair is a blend of entertainment, exhibits, livestock, arena events, great food and our signature event, the Frog Jump. This piece of Americana will have you Leaping to return year after year.
Today, few events illustrate the gold rush era, as well as the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee. Every May the entire community celebrates its history and its future. The tradition of county residents showing off their best still holds true today. In 2002 the Calaveras County Fair had more than 7000 exhibits. The junior livestock auction generated over $350,000 for the countys youth.
The Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee has grown to an event with more than 35,000 attendees. It is estimated that the Calaveras County Fair generates approximately 25.5 million dollars in revenues through hotels, restaurants, retail, payroll and other related revenues.
Hire a Frog Jockey
& Enter to Win a FREE Pair of BOGS Boots!
The first 100 people that enter to have a frog jumped. at the 2012 Jumping Frog Jubilee will be entered to win a FREE pair of BOGS Boots! Pick your jockey by clicking on the "frog jockey" tab above.
Can't make it to the 2012 Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee, but still want to jump a frog? Pick one of our Frog Jockey's to jump a frog for you at the 2012 Frog Jump. To pick a frog jockey, click the "Frog Jockey" tab and you're on your way!
LEAP T-shirt
We have cotton blend T-shirts annoucing our "LEAP" campagain, with our world-famous frog logo, and the dates of the 2012 Fair. Available colors are: Light Blue, Light Grey, Heather, Grey, Khaki, Bubble Gum Pink Light Pink, Teal & Yellow Available Sizes are: Youth: XS (2-4), S (4-6), M (8-12) and L (12-16) Adult: S, M, L, XL & 2XL Please send us an email with your purchase using the "contact us" link to notify us of your color and size preference.
$15
Breya
Breya is a 1st grader. "I love to ride horses, work in my Papa's office. I love to cook and clean."
$10
Drew
Drew is a 3rd grader. Drew might be small but he has a big personality. He loves sports and the outdoors.
Zoe
Zoe is a 4th grade student. Zoe is a sassy 9 year old who loves to sing and dance. She is the youngest of four children and is the designated "frog catcher" in her home (she puts her skills to use all the time!)
Winter
Winter is a 1st grader. Winter helps his dad work cows on the ranch. He rides horses and the 4-wheeler with his dad.
Madelynn
Maddie is in the 7th grade. She is a fun-loving girl who likes the outdoors. She shows steers for 4-H, cowboys and loves to waterski. She plays all sports and takes her studies very seriously.
Joseph Jr.
Joseph is in kindergarten. He is a great big brother, and a big frog lover. His family, the Darby's have been catching their own frogs for jumping for decades.
Kaiea
Kaiea is in the 5th grade. She is a quiet, but determined child. She loves animals and plans to be a veternarian in the future.
Danielle
Danielle is a 7th grader. Danielle enjoys cooking and baking. She plays volleyball, basketball and softball. She has a very easy going attitude and is fun to be around.
Jack M.
Jack is a 7th grade student. He loves baseball and knows the Calaveras County Fair from front to back. He has been running around Fairs since he could walk and jumping alongside frogs since he could LEAP.
Ella
Ella is in kindergarten. She is the official face of BOGS for FROGS! She is in love with smiling, having fun, and of course, frogs.
Jack R.
Jack is in the 7th grade. He is an outstanding athlete, and violinist. He wants to become a professional baseball player, but if that doesn't pan out.... there's always frog jockeying.
Kaili
Kaili is in the 4th grade. Kaili is a third generation frog jumper. Kaili's family has been jumping frogs since her Great, Great Grandfater in 1928!
Dominic
Dominic was born in Stockton, CA but has been attending the Fair since he was born. He moved to Angels Camp last year. He is a huge frog fan and has jumped frogs for the last 3 years. He loves all critters but is very enthusiastic about amphibians.
Morgan
Morgan is a 4th grade student. Morgan is 9 years old and lives in Angels Camp, CA. She is your typical California girl. She loves to surf, dance and ride her horse. Don't let that pink tutu fool you. Her favorite thing in the world is to be with her daddy and gradpa on the ranch getting down and dirty.
Sam
Sam in a second grader. Sam is full of energy, and always busy. He will be a great frog jockey, LEAPing right alongside his amphibian friends.
Kate
Kate is in the 6th grade. Kate loves to play basketball, and piano. She is very kind-natured and an animal lover. Mom won't let her own a pet so frog jockeying is as close as she can get.
COUSINS - Sean - Shawna
Sean and Shawna are cousins, both in preschool. Shawna says when she gets big, she wants to "jump frogs like grampa do's." She wants to be an "original firefighter" and be able to swing and slide as much as she wants For now, she likes playing with her family, dancing, playing drums and guitar, and going to school, "that's all."Sean Poortinga loves to play baseball. He loves being outdoors and going for rides in his dad's cop car. He even bought his own so he could be like his dad.This frog jockey comes as a team.
Kaylee
Kayle is 5 years old, and in kindergarten. She jumped on the Main Stage at the 2011Frog Jump 15'6". She is an experienced Frog Jockey and LOVES to jump frogs!
Stella
Stella is 4 years old and goes to preschool. Stella has jumped frogs since she was 1 1/2 years old. She is a seasoned frog jockey. STella says all animals listen to her and are her friends.
Hire a Frog Jockey & Enter to Win a FREE Pair of BOGS Boots!
The first 100 people who enter to jump a frog by selecting a Frog Jockey at the 2012 Jumping Frog Jubilee will be entered to win a FREE pair of BOGS Boots! Pick your jockey below.
Jump a frog at the 2012 Jumping Frog Jubilee by hiring one of our frog jockeys. Your frog jockey will jump one of our world-famous frogs in your name at the 2012 Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee. Enter by selecting a Jockey and you are on your way.
A jockey may represent more than one entry per jump.
CHECKOUT
We would like to thank our Presenting Sponsors for the 2011 Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee. Our Presenting Sponsors were:
Jackson Rancheria Casino, Hotel & Conference Center
Cencal Beverage Co. (provider of Miller Genuine Draft, Coors Light, Blue Moon)
Winter Creek Foundation
Wells Fargo Bank
Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital
We are happy to thank our 2011 Diamond Sponsors, including:
Black Oak Casino
Sierra Nevada Brewery Co.
Gateway Press
The Calaveras County Fair has been featured on national television, some of America's favorite shows, and in press across the Country. Your business can partner with Frogtown to obtain maximum exposure. What better way to give back to this wonderful community than to become a sponsor.
partnership_opportunities.pdf
Frogtown, the best place to have your next event! For rental prices and additional information call the fairgrounds at (209)736-2561 or email
laurie_frogtown.org
39th District Agricultural Association
Mission Statement:
To insure the on-going success of the world famous Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee while providing a quality, events oriented facility operated in a sound financial manner, for the benefit of the people of Calaveras County.
Vision Statement:
To enhance our signature event, the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee, while providing a well-maintained, multi-use facility that is clean, attractive, comfortable and safe, reflecting community pride, involvement, and hosting year-round activities.
Meetings:
The Board of Directors meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds. Agendas are available via email, contact laurie_frogtown.org.
If not us, who If not now, when? President Ronald Reagan. In the fall of 2008 a group of Calaveras County residents decided to take action and form a foundation whose sole purpose was to enhance, support and create additional community involvement and participation while maintaining the amazing history the Fair enjoys. The Friends of the Calaveras County Fair, a non-profit organization was formed. Today the organization has many accomplishments to their credit, including the Ranch House. Membership to this worthwhile organization is $25 per family annually.
Firman Brown- Angels Camp
Rob MIller Murphys
Jerri Mills Salt Springs Valley
Jeff Johnson- Vallecito
Leslie Davis Valley Springs
Vonnie Tiscornia San Andreas
Anita Paque Mountain Ranch
Talibah Al Rafiq Mokelumne Hill
Ron Aschwanden Angels Camp
Gay Callan Esmeralda Valley
Kathy Campbell San Andreas
Tim Folendorf- Angels Camp
Darren Mills Murphys
Robert Trinchero Angels Camp
Steve Wooster Copperopolis
January 11, board meeting.doc
The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee has been featured in many movies and television shows. Most recently our famous frogs went to the Big Apple for The Today Show. Rove MacManus of the Tonight Show took his shot at trying to out-jump the Frog Jump Champions at the 2011 Jubilee, and Larry the Cable Guy in 2010. Frogtown has also been featured in a documentary called "JUMP," on Disney Movie Surfer's opening of the movie "The Princess and the Frog," and on "California Golden Fairs."
From the North (Sacramento)
From Route 50 take Sunrise Blvd. southbound (out of Rancho Cordova). Go left (eastbound) onto Jackson Highway (Highway 16). Go approximately 30 miles to the Highway 49 junction and turn right towards Jackson. Follow Highway 49 to Calaveras County. (From Route 50 to Calaveras County: 50 miles). Turn left onto Gun Club Rd.
From the South (Fresno)
Take 99 north to Stockton, then Highway 4 east to Angels Camp, home of the Jumping Frog Jubilee! Turn left onto Gun Club Rd.
From the West (San Francisco)
Take 580 east to Tracy, then to the 205 east, then to 99 north to Stockton (then Highway 4 again) or, you can take Highway 12 or 26 east to Valley Springs, one of Calaveras Countys fastest growing towns! Turn left onto Gun Club Rd.
From the East (Reno and Tahoe)
Take 80 west to Auburn, then 49 South. Turn left onto Gun Club Rd.In the summer months Highways 50, 88 or 4 all offer a beautiful drive complete with scenery that includes quaint fishing lakes and vast vistas of the Sierra Nevada.
Miles from Angels Camp
Bakersfield. 218
Fresno.114
Lake Tahoe (South).135
Los Angeles. 354
Modesto. 51
Monterey. 210
Oakland. 122
Sacramento. 75
San Diego. 450
San Francisco. 133
San Jose. 140
Stockton. 52
Yosemite. 93
PO Box 489
101 Frogtown Rd.
Angels Camp, CA 95222
209.736.2561
info_frogtown.org
Calaveras County Fairgrounds & Jumping Frog Jubilee ~ PO Box 489 Angels Camp CA 95222 ~ 209.736.2561 ~ Copyright 2011 ~ All frogs were handled with love in the making of this website!
