Angels Camp, CA…The Jump Start Program lets people leap into action with an official frog jumping team. Friends, family, coworkers and organizations can compete with other official teams at the 2017 Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee on May 18 to 21 at Frogtown in Angels Camp.

Jump Start began in 2014, and several of the first-time teams have landed in the Grand Finals. This fun opportunity encourages new participants by providing everything they need to compete as a team. These new teams go through the preliminary rounds of the competition along with veteran frog jockeys – some who’ve been doing it for over 50 years.

Everyone is trying to beat the World’s Record of 21 feet, 5 and ¾ inches, which was set in 1986 by the late Lee Giudici and his frog Rosie the Ribiter. His team of family and friends still competes today. A $5,000 prize will be awarded if a new World’s Record is set this year. If not, the winning frog receives $750 and a large trophy.

For a fee of $75 each Jump Start Team of two to six people receives six frog competitors. Each team also receives instructions and coaching from past Frog Jump winners prior to their first round of competition.

The volunteer Frog Jump Committee, which stages the event every year, initiated Jump Start to encourage more people to get involved.

“Most of our frog jumping teams have competed for years,” explains Jump Start Coordinator Bob Lema. “We developed Jump Start because folks watching in the stands have always asked how they can get involved. Jump Start makes it easy. We hope to attract a new wave of frog jockeys who become just as enthusiastic as our veteran competitors.”

Jump Start Teams can sign up in advance to maximize timing for their training sessions. Fairgoers inspired by the jumping action on the Main Stage can form Jump Start Teams at the event on a first-come, first-jumped basis.

For complete Frog Jump details check out www.frogtown.org Use the Frog Jump link to learn everything you need to know about the event. Sign-up for Jump Start by contacting the Fairgrounds at 209-736-2561 or email info@frogtown.org. You can contact Jump Start Coordinator Bob Lema at robert.lema@gmail.com.