What is National Frog Jumping Day?
Both young and old alike enjoy National Frog Jumping Day on May 13th each year.
Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog, Mark Twain's first short story, appeared in 1865. Later, he changed the name and published it as The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County was also a story in this series.
Rosie the Ribeter, who jumped 21 feet, 5-3/4 inches, set the new frog jumping record in 1986.
Although fans of Mark Twain or perhaps the Calaveras County Fair may have you believe frog jumping competitions take place in Calaveras County, that is just not true. They occur all around the country and with greater frequency than one might expect. In 1865, frog jumping competitions were held in other states and municipalities, but the activities have continued across borders in the last century, including this one. You may even know of one where you live, say in Michigan, Florida, or Idaho.
However, we may have to admit that if Mark Twain wrote a story about it, the Calaveras County Frog Jumping Contest would be the most well-known and loved by the author, we'd have to admit, we'd have to admit it.
