FROG JUMPING IN CALAVERAS COUNTY

Those of you who live in Northern California or who are fans of Mark Twain are probably familiar with "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County", an 1865 short story by the author & humorist. It was his first great success as a writer & brought him national attention.

Lou & I have wanted to experience the annual Calaveras County Fair & Frog Jumping Contest for many years but trips or other plans always seemed to take priority. This year we finally made it!

Although the forecast was for a 60% chance of rain, we were lucky with beautiful weather - the first drops didn't fall until the drive home. This is a pond near the entrance to the Calaveras County Fairgrounds.

The Main Stage which is the sight of many frog jumping contests over the four day event.  My sister who has lived in Calaveras County for many years warned us that it isn't nearly as exciting or enthralling as it may seem. She was right but it was still fun to see it once.

As you can see, the record of 21 feet 5-3/4 inches was set by "Rosie the Ribiter". Now, I was thinking that would be really impressive to see a frog jump over 20 feet - BUT I didn't realize that they are scored the total of three consecutive jumps.

The frog must be placed within the green circle & the "jockeys" (why they chose that name instead of handler or owner who knows) are allowed to yell or hit the ground but cannot touch the frog. It goes hop, hop, hop & the straight line distance from the the middle of the green circle to its final landing is the distance. So, it is better to go straight than zig-zag.

Even though we saw a couple of frogs who jumped over 15 feet, to be honest, after about half an hour of watching Lou & I were ready to move on. Like most county fairs there were several other events & attractions. I do have to tell you that I was raised in Alameda County & their fair is comparable to the California State Fair in size with lots to see & do. Most other county fairs I've attended could literally be seen entirely in less than two hours, Calaveras included.

This was an event that involved two horseman & one cowboy on foot who had to set up a catch pen, herd the cattle into the trailer, load the horses & all jump in the truck to stop the clock. The quickest time won. Kind of crazy!

A place to sample the local brews.

There were about four small buildings to house the exhibits & a few midway rides including this ferris wheel & zipper. I love wild rides but make it a personal policy NOT to risk riding on things that are put up & taken down every week by people who are likely one step ahead of the law. 

Of course, I am convinced that the number one "fair food" is a corn dog. But so far the aforementioned Alameda County Fair has the absolute best corn dogs!  Darrin says it is because they haven't changed the frying oil in twenty years.

There were a few "special exhibits" & an arm wrestling event at this year's fair to add to the frog jumping. It was well attended given the size of the county but it was quite nice to not be forcing our way through crowds.

I could not resist snapping this photo. My son was a model railroader so I've seen lots of really fancy layouts with all sorts of scenery, towns & bridges. This was the model railroad exhibit at the fair - I mean, come on, you couldn't do better than this??? And the old guy running it had fallen asleep in his chair - too funny. 

There were several old tractors & other ancient machines chugging away.

Apparently, arm wrestling is a worldwide competition but honestly, in my opinion, it was a couple of steps behind the frog jumping in keeping my interest.

The drive from our house to the Calaveras County Fair took just under two hours. It has some beautiful scenery through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Although the green rolling hills are already turning brown it was still lovely. The cloud formations today made for some jaw-dropping moments.

This was a garden with an old mill wheel at the fairgrounds.

These were some of the amazing cloud formations but my photos didn't do them justice. I just love white puffy clouds & have way more photos of them than I need.

I took this photo out the windshield of the car as we drove along Highway 49. It says "Calaveras Cement" on the overpass & the date is 1935.