May 9, 2019 - Sacramento - Yesterday, Senator Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno) and Assemblyman Frank Bigelow (R-O'Neals) hosted the 45th Annual Capitol Frog Jump on the East Lawn of the State Capitol. During the event Legislators, staffers and members of the media competed for the longest and shortest jump. The annual event promotes the 91st anniversary of the Jumping Frog Jubilee at the Calaveras County Fair. The origin of the annual event can be traced back to Mark Twain who authored "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" while living in Angels Camp, California.
"The Jumping Frog Jubilee at the Calaveras County Fair is an exciting event that the community looks forward to every year. This year's Capitol jump is no different. I am pleased to continue this tradition and highlight Calaveras County," said Senator Borgeas.
"It's an honor to continue celebrating a unique California tradition at the California State Capitol," said Assemblyman Bigelow. "This 45-year tradition continues to bring together the Capitol community, while highlighting the rich history of the Mother Lode."
The first place award went to Florencio Vaca, a legislative staffer from Assemblymember Luz Rivas' office. His frog, "Rana Del Rey," hopped to victory with an impressive 12 foot and 1 inch jump. Joe Michaels from KFBK crowned his frog prince, "Christopher Ribbit," with an 8 foot and 9 inch hop to win the media competition. The shortest jump went to Assemblymember Jim Wood whose lethargic leaper measured 3 feet and 5 inches.
The Frog Jump World Record was set in 1986 by the late Lee Giudici and his frog Rosie the Ribiter with an unprecedented jump of 21 feet, 5 and ¾ inches.
The Calaveras County Fair will hop into action Thursday, May 16. More information about the event can be found at www.frogtown.org.
Source: Senator Andreas Borgeas
