Sacramento, CA…Calaveras County’s celebrated jumping frogs hop down to Sacramento on May 4 for the traditional State Capitol Frog Jump on the west side of the Capitol grounds, beginning at noon. This jump pits lawmakers, staff and media reps against each other for bragging rights and the chance to move on to the Frog Jump Grand Finals at the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee, May 18-21 at Frogtown in Angles Camp.

State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil is sponsoring the event. She represents Senate District #4, which includes Calaveras County, and is well acquainted with the jumping frogs since she resides in neighboring Amador County.

The Capitol Jump usually attracts around 50 competitors. Trophies are presented in three categories – longest jump, shortest jump and media winner. The longest leap is automatically entered in the May 21 Grand Finals.

Excitement runs wild this year since the Grand Finals top prize has been increased to $20,000 for a leap that outdistances the current title holder. That record of 21 feet, 5 ¾ inches was set in 1986 by the late Lee Giudici with his frog Rosie the Ribiter. Every year, the jumping frogs hit the road with their entourage of Frog Jump Committee members/handlers to promote Frog Jump in advacne. The State Capitol Jump highlights their tour.

Calaveras jumping frogs first made history in the 1860’s by inspiring the tale that sparked humorist Mark Twain’s career. He visited the area in 1864 and his story about “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County was published in 1865. It triggered the public’s fascination with Calaveras County and jumping frogs.

The first Frog Jump was in 1928 as part of a community celebration marking the paving of Main Street in Angels Camp. It joined forces with the Calaveras County Fair in 1937 at the facility known as Frogtown, located south of Angels Camp.

Frog Jockey teams have multiplied over the decades, returning every year to compete – some for over 50 years. For more information on the Frog Jump, check out www.frogtown.org or call 209-736-2561.