May 19
RIB-IT DAY
The Pride of San Joaquin Valley was declared the winner of the first frog-jumping jubilee held in Calaveras County, CA on this day in 1928. The froggy jumped three feet, four inches, higher than 49 other frogs entered in the contest. The true beginnings of the frog jubilee date back to gold rush days, an event instigated by none other than Mark Twain.
The frogs are still hoppin’ each May at the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee. Frogs come from all over the world to compete in this, the road to top frog. Incidentally, frogs jump a lot more than three feet today, and for a fair amount of money, prizes and media exposure. The current record is held by Rosie the Ribiter from Santa Clara, CA. Rosie made the record-setting 21 feet, 5 3/4 inch jump in May of 1986.
Four legs, two eyes, in the water, ker-plunk! Rib-it!
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
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